As the National Grand Patron Unity Cup Football Tournament Kicks off, officials are applauding the large turnout of supporters gathering to watch matches at the venue of the competition.
The Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, an umbrella body of Major Market Associations has applauded Lagosians and traders for turning out en mass to support their players in the ongoing football tournament taking place at Abalti Barracks, Lagos.
The competition which is titled “National Grand Patron Unity Cup” is specifically sponsored by the National Grand patron of the association, Prof (High Chief) Obiora Okonkwo and the United Nigeria Airline Limited.
Briefing News men, Monday morning at the association’s secretariat in Lagos, the General Secretary of the Association Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ukatu said “The officials of this football tournament are highly overwhelmed with the large tournout of supporters at last weekend matches”. Also Chief Tony Okeke (President Mandilas United Trade Centre, Trade Fair) said he ordered for the closure of his market to enable his members to cheer up their team who played on Saturday. Mr. Marcel Ozonweke Chairman of Weavon and hair dealers Association Lagos Island spoke in same veign, he also thanked his members who closed their shops to come out en masse to cheer up their team. The Sunday of the matches, the president and the other leaders of other affiliate markets of Ndigboamaka Association closed their various shops at Lagos Island, Idumota, Coker building materials, Trade Fairs, Alaba International, Abule-Ado, among others for the match.
According to Hon. Chinedu Ukatu who also doubles as the Chairman of the organising committee, Nigeria is immensely blessed with lots of talented professional footballers who can compete anywhere in the world at any given time.
Despite the heavy down pour, the footballers did not give up, they came,played and kept loading their opponents with goals “.
He also expressed joy on the increased bond of unity amongst the traders and host community in Lagos as a result of this tournament. He poured encomiuns on Prof. Obiora for sponsoring this memorable tournament.
“We have written to some International football associations, federating teams and also invited some international footballers to send some of their officials to watch these matches and then pick their choice. If lt was those days when men were boys, l would have put on my playing kits to join these wonderful blessed footballers in this game”.
He said that the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had expressed full support and participation in the ongoing football tournament and promised to grace the Final match taking place next month.
Out of the final list of 16 teams selected, 8 marches have been played while 7 matches will be played this coming weekend, the 22nd and 23rd of October respectively with the finals coming up on the 19th of November 2022.
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