The Super 5 tournament, organized by the Lagos State Football Association LSFA to select representatives for the NLO 2 Under19 Zonal Qualifiers, has concluded successfully at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The five participating teams Okaka FC LDFA, Adosag FC Ikorodu DFA, Young Stars BDFA, FC Bucknor Ikeja, and Ighalo FA Epe competed in a round-robin format for two qualification spots.
The tournament reached its climax on the final day, with Okaka FC securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Young Stars. Earlier, Ighalo FA defeated Adosag FC 2-1, which put them level on points with Young Stars, but Ighalo advanced due to a superior goal difference.
Lagos FA Chairman, Hajji Gafar Liameed, expressed his satisfaction with the teams’ performances and their discipline during the tournament. He praised the organizing committee, led by Wale Joseph, for their hard work in successfully concluding the 2023/2024 Lagos State Football League.
Liameed encouraged the two teams representing Lagos to uphold the state’s standards and values as they compete at the zonal level. He also reaffirmed LSFA’s commitment to supporting football development in the state.
Editorial
The successful conclusion of the Super 5 tournament is a testament to the growth and development of grassroots football in Lagos State. The Lagos State Football Association has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing young talent through competitive platforms like the NLO 2 Under19 Zonal Qualifiers.
This tournament provided the participating teams with the opportunity to showcase their skills, discipline, and resilience. Okaka FC and Ighalo FA emerged as the standout teams, earning their spots in the next stage of the competition. Their performances underline the depth of talent that exists in Lagos, and it will be exciting to see how these teams fare in the zonal qualifiers.
The work of the LSFA and its leadership is crucial in ensuring that these young athletes are given the right support and opportunities. Their focus on promoting football development according to global best practices is commendable and sets a standard for other regions in Nigeria.
Did You Know?
- The NLO Nationwide League One serves as Nigeria’s third tier football division and focuses on developing young talents across the country.
- The National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, has a capacity of over 55,000 and is a historic venue for Nigerian football.
- Ighalo FA, named after Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, is dedicated to grooming young players for professional football careers.
- Lagos State has consistently produced top football talents, many of whom have gone on to represent Nigeria at international tournaments.
- The Super 5 tournament is part of LSFA’s larger plan to strengthen grassroots football in Lagos and prepare teams for national and international competitions.
