20th July, 2012
Defending Champions, Lawal Akapo street of Apapa will begin their title defence on Saturday, as the MTN Lagos Street Soccer enters Week Two at all centres across the state.
Akapo will play their matches against the teams from Akorede Street in Apapa Iganmu, Muzuma Street in Itire-Ikate, and Alaka Estate Street, Surulere at the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, Lagos.
Chief Coach of Akapo, Amos Odjibi told P.M.Sports on Friday that what he saw in some centres last weekend showed that this year’s edition will be tougher. He noted that his team will face stiff challenges but believes that they are ready to go all out for victory tomorrow.
“We are aware of the challenges ahead and I am happy that my players are in high spirits and ready to go far in the tournament. It will be a huge disappointment if we fail to go beyond the first round. We respect all our opponents in the group, and we are going to take every match as it comes,” he said.
Meanwhile the Executive Secretary of Lagos Street Soccer, Deji Aladegbemi, has expressed satisfaction with the report he got from the match commissioners, who handled matches of the first week, saying he expects this weekend to be more entertaining at all centres.
He urged the participating streets and fans to abide by the laws guiding the championship, and warned that any football fan or spectator found wanting during the matches will be punished accordingly.
Over 96 teams have qualified for the second round, passionately waiting and perfecting their strategies for the next round..
—Sunday Akintoye