Lagos To Host International Football Tournament

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration's dedication to youth engagement and community development through sports on Friday. He pledged his full support for a two-week international pre-season tournament organized by SuperSport Nigeria and Eko International Cup in Lagos, stating that his government will continue to foster an environment conducive for corporate and sports-loving organizations to thrive.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made these remarks during a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Marina, from the General Manager of SuperSport Nigeria, Mr. Felix Awogu, and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eko International Cup, Mr. Ifeanyi Ogbu.

During the visit, Awogu and Ogbu, accompanied by members of the tournament's Organizing Committee, presented the winning Trophy for the Eko International Cup, the Official Match Ball ‘YIKA’, and the Official Jersey to the Governor.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos would provide a welcoming and secure environment for both local and international participants. He emphasized that the tournament offered a chance to collaborate in supporting emerging talents in Africa, particularly in Lagos.

The Governor also expressed his appreciation to the organizers for naming the trophy after him, assuring them that this gesture would motivate him to work even harder in service to the people of Lagos State.

"We are happy that the international pre-season tournament is happening in Lagos. There are so many opportunities the competition would give young talented footballers. We are in support of the competition. The Lagos State Government through the Sports Commission will continue to be available. We will continue to create that enabling environment where businesses will partner with government and create a platform that the citizens will benefit from."

He further added,

"I want to commend both the founder and others for deeming it fit to name the competition in my name. We will ensure that the stadium is full, and we will encourage people to come. We hope it will be a successful competition."

Earlier, the General Manager of SuperSports, Mr. Felix Awugo, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu's significant progress in infrastructural development across the state, improved security, and the administration's commitment to youth and sports development.

Highlighting the tournament's importance, Awugo explained that the two-week football competition would feature eight teams: four Nigerian clubs – Ikorodu City, Remo Stars, Enyimba, and Shooting Stars – alongside international clubs Dadje FC (Benin), SuperSport United FC (South Africa), Asante Kotoko Sporting Club (Ghana), and Ankaraspor (Turkey).

He stated that the competition's aim was to promote youth development and provide opportunities for local footballers.

He announced that there would be 15 matches, with 22 scouts from overseas attending.

"We believe that the arrival of the scouts will bring hope to those who are hopeless about making it in football. It will be considered a great achievement if at least 20 players get selected by the scouts."

Awugo revealed that the trophy for the football competition was named the ‘Sanwo-Olu Cup’ in recognition of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s contributions to sports and the transformative work of the current administration in Lagos State.