22nd December, 2011
Many grassroots football competitions were held in the fourth quarter of the year, but PWF Cup and Lagos Speaker’s Cup were the most outstanding in the period under review.
More than 50 clubs took part in the PWF Cup sponsored by Pauline& Wilson Foundation in Lagos. This was the first time an NGO sponsored a grassroots football competition that attracted clubs across the state.
Many grassroots clubs showed interest in the competition because of the prize money for the winners. The chairman of the foundation, Innocent Ogah, announced that N500, 000 and a giant trophy will be given to the winners, while the second and third placed teams will receive N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
The championship, which was played on a knockout basis, was competitive and brought the best out of the participating teams as many matches were decided by penalty shootouts.
The final of the PWF Cup played between Shaggy FC and Maryland FC at the FIFA Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos was an explosive encounter.
Both teams came to the match venue with large supporters to make the final a memorable one
The tension-soaked match ended in 2-2 at the regulation time but Shaggy defeated Maryland FC 5-4 on a penalty shootout to emerge the champions of PWF Cup 2011.
Lagos Speaker’s Cup was another grassroots football competition that lit up the fourth quarter of the year as teams from all the local councils in Lagos State took part in the championship.
The tournament were played in various parts of the state such as Onikan Stadium, Teacher Training College, Ifako-Ijaiye, FIFA Legacy pitch of National Stadium, Surulere and Agege Stadium.
Ikorodu West LCDA defeated Ifelodun LCDA 2-1, while Ajeromi-Ifelodun humbled Apapa LG 2-1 in the semi finals played recently.
Ayeni said plans are made to ensure that the Lagos Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and other members of Lagos State House of Assembly are in attendance to watch the final encounter between Ikorodu West LCDA and Ajeromi-Ifelodun.