The 2023 Lagos State Street Soccer Championship, began on Sunday at the Obele Oniwala mini Stadium with series of ceremonial games involving men, women and U-15 boys’ teams selected across the state.
In the first game, the Lagos Mainland-based Wazbak defeated Middlewell team from Lagos Island 2-1 in the women’s category.
Also, Dolphin High School defeated Kings College by 2-0 in the U-15 category while Ayo Davis Street, Surulere, lost 0-2 to BogunBolu FC Street FC in the men’s category.
The ceremonial event, attended by Chairmen of some Local Government Areas across the state also had the state Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunleke, and Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, Fuad Oki, in attendance.
Ogunleke, in his remarks, lauded the organisers for putting up a colourful show.
He also He advised the youths of Lagos to step out of their comfort zones to embrace the sports rather than wait for white collar jobs.
He further charged them to take advantage of the opportunities and initiatives offered by the street soccer championship.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Lagos Street Soccer Championship Committee, Bolaji Yusuf, expressed his delight at the turnout as he promised a seamless competition when it kicks off later this month.
The Chairperson of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and co-chairman of Lagos State Street Soccer Championship, Mayoress Samiat Abolanle Bada, said the championship is in line with the mandate of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to her, the grassroots event will provide several opportunities for youth of Lagos state.