Youths Turn Closed 3rd Mainland Bridge To Football Pitches

Some youths around Oworonsoki area of the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos now under repairs, have turned the closed part of the two lane bridge into football pitches.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the youths who formed themselves into different teams were found playing against one another in various demarcations on the bridge.

NAN correspondent, who was at the area on Wednesday reports that the development had attracted huge spectators and petty traders, mostly sachet water vendors.

Some of the youths, all male, told NAN that they were using the opportunity of the closure to entertain themselves and showcase their talents.

Yemi Owoeye, 15, of Gbagada Senior Grammar School, said there was nothing much to do at school because they were almost going on break.

“We are using this opportunity of the closure to catch fun and to showcase our talents that Nigerians are football lovers,” he said.

Ganiyu Badiya, 14, of Gbagada Comprehensive Junior School said that since the bridge was partially closed, it provided a more conducive place for them to play.

According to Badiya, the bridge is wider than their various streets where vehicles and motor bikes usually hinder their games.

“Our streets are not as wide as the bridge, so we thought it wise to exploit our talents on the bridge by turning it into a football pitch.

“When construction workers start working on the bridge, we do not play, but when it is closed and vehicles cannot pass, we have the opportunity to play and display our talents,” he said.

Badiya also said that they had finished their examinations and that playing football on the closed section of the bridge kept them busy and away from social vices.

Messrs. Borini Prono and Company Nig. Ltd. is handling the repairs work on the 11.8km bridge that linked Lagos Island with the Mainland.

NAN reports that the maintenance work which started on July 8 was expected to be completed on November 5.