All is set for the much anticipated Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament season 2. Forty accredited teams across the five diversions in Lagos will lock-horns in the preliminary stages of the tournament.
The draws for the divisional stages was held in Lagos on Monday with representatives of the participating teams on hand to witness the process. Members of the media led by the guild of sports editors were also in attendance at the ceremony held at the CIBN building in Victoria Island.
Hostilities will get on the way on Saturday April 19th at the Ikeja division. Wasola FC will file out against African Future stars, Useful Youth will lock-horns against Soccer Gems. On Sunday April 20th, it will be Ballers FA vs Amsterdam FA, while Divinely blessed FC with square up against Blood and Sand FC. The comprehensive fixtures can be accessed on https://spires5aside.ng and all their social media platforms.
In his remarks, conviner of the Spires 5-Aside Tourney Dr. Bankole Allibay
explained that the competition aims to identify and nurture football talents within the 16-21 age bracket, providing structured pathways for professional careers.
“We have gone through a rigorous process of selecting the most qualified teams to participate in the Spires 5-aside street soccer tournament, we want to promote transparency when it comes to street soccer, we did not give anyone an automatic ticket,” Allibay said.
Dr. Bankole further revealed that each of the participating teams will receive the sum of N100,000 in the divisional stages an upgrade from the N50,000 paid at the maiden edition. Allibay also emphasized on the need for discipline among the coaches, players, team coordinators and fans during and after each matchdays.
” On our part as organisers we have done everything necessary to ensure we have near perfect campaign, we have made a few changes from what was obtainable in maiden season like the age limit at 16-21 for the players, increase prize money across board and other welfare arrangements for the teams”.
The tournament Director Mr. Akin Eshilokun said all set for the Saturday April 19th Kick-off date in the Ikeja division.
” we have everything in place as we speak, we are working closely with the Lagos State Football Association, the state referees association, and the respective divisional football associations, i am confident we are going to have another great season across board”. Akin said.
Three teams well qualify from each of the five divisions, while the overall best losser across the divisions will join the 15 qualified teams for a group stage tournament of 16 teams.
White Tigers FC receive the sum of N5 million as champions of the maiden edition of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament in 2024. The winner of this year’s tournament will pocket a prize money of N10million among other benefits.