Lagos Set For Youth Cup

Lagos State is set to host the Lagos International Youth Cup with Spanish giants, Valencia Youth Team , Super Sports United of South Africa’s Youth Team, a Youth Team from the Premier League and a Team Lagos U-17 selected side competing for honours.

Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the tournament, Uti Godson, disclosed this at a press parley held at the Media centre of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Monday. He said all the clubs have indicated interest to vie for honours in this year’s edition of the tourney  slated for 3-8 August this year.

“We are in talks with an English side to have a complete number of teams for the tournament, but we don’t want to let out the cat out of the bag until the deal is sealed,”  he said.

He called on well meaning individuals and corporate bodies in the state to partner what he called a worthwhile initiative.

Uti disclosed that the organisation of the 4-team tourney will be of international standard, adding that the championship is a way of showing the human capacity of Lagos State having successfully co-hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year.

Tayo Popoola, chairperson, Protocol and Ceremonies Committee of the tournament said the state wants to show the rest of the world that Lagos is the next tourist destination, and promised the best of Lagos hospitality for the participants.

She noted that all the teams would be treated to the best of Lagos tourism and hospitality, adding that apart from the matches, the teams will be taken round to some historic places in the state.

She disclosed that Lagos State wants to lead other states of the federation in the drive to produce a crop of young players to replace the ageing ones.

On the host team’s preparedness for the tournament, the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Chairman, Taiwo Afinnih disclosed that interview sessions would be conducted for the prospective coaches, just as the camp will be thrown open by next week for eligible players to compete for shirts.

He stated that players from the just concluded Lagos Principals’ Cup have been penciled down for selection into the team as majority of them are within the age bracket.

The first edition of the tourney, slated for last year could not hold because of the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by the country and the crowded sports programme of the state.

—Wale  Joseph