Beach Soccer Fiesta success willl rub off positively on forthcoming league – LSFA

The success of the second edition of the Eko Football Beach Soccer Fiesta will rub off positively on the forthcoming beach soccer league later this year, according to its organisers.

Seyi Akinwunmi, Chairman, Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), told the newsmen on Tuesday that the turnout and awareness of the event was a huge success compared to the first edition held in 2016.

The one –day beach soccer fiesta was held at the Eko Atlantic in Lagos on Easter Monday.

“We learnt a lot of lessons from the first edition which made the second edition bigger and better.

“I am happy with the turnout; the competition was on a higher level and it will continue to improve as the years goes by.

“With the level of interest we got from clubs, it will rub off on our planned beach soccer league later this year,’’ said the Lagos State FA Chairman.

Also, Tade Azeez, Chairman of the Beach Soccer Committee, told correspondents that the body would increase participation in the 2019 edition of the competition.

“The event is gaining momentum in the state and would attract more clubs next year.

“Hopefully the third edition will be bigger than what we have had in the two previous editions and the competition is getting more awareness, because beach soccer is a social game that involves football and entertainment.

“The fiesta is planned towards family relaxation during Easter, as you can see there are many families there enjoying themselves in a conducive atmosphere, with good football and music.

“So, all things being equal, we are hoping for the best next year, with new innovation,’’ Azeez said.

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He said that there was a significant improvement in the competition compared to the first edition held in 2016.

“Am highly impressed because there are lots of improvement in this edition compared to the first edition which was held at this same venue in 2016.

“The improvement was noted in areas of organisation, turnout and officiating,’’ he said.

Azeez, who is also the President, Nigeria Referee Association, urged private bodies to partner with the LSFA to take the event to the next level.

Meanwhile, Stationery Stores FC emerged champion of the competition by beating the defending Champion, Freestan FC by 5-4.

Taiwo Adams, Captain of the Stationery Stores, expressed his happiness over his team victory.

“My teammate and I are very happy to win this competition at our first participation. Defeating the defending champion in the final is no mean feat for us,’’ he said.

Stationary Stores, Freestan FC, Collin Edwin FC, New Generation FC, Smart City FC and Messiah FC participated in the one day beach soccer competition.