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By Emma Jemegah
A total of eight teams will participate in the maiden edition of the forthcoming ‘Above 50’ football championship slated to hold from July, 28- 30, 2023 at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Disclosing this to the media during a press conference to herald the tournament, initiator/sponsor of the competition, Ambassador Dr. Edward Olutoke, who also doubles as President of Ikeja Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, explained that the tournament, which is put together to encourage those from 50 years and above to play football, exercise their body, burn out calories and network said that all FIFA rules will be observed while any player who cannot show evidence of his age will be disqualified.
“ We’re organising this tournament to enable the elderly have an avenue to play football, discuss business ideas, interact, keep fit, reduce stress and fight poverty amongst the elderly.
“I’m happy with the response so far by teams and right now we have teams from Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Abeokuta registered for the tournament which is the first of it’s kind and I promise you it will be great and full of fun.
He further explained that each of the community clubs that will take part in the competition will have a medical practitioner and finance Director attached to the team who will advice them on how to eat healthy diet and what it takes to make money amongst others.
Olutoke, while announcing that his dream is to have an ‘Above 50’ World Cup in the nearest future, announced that Brazil and Ghana are eagerly awaiting to play a friendly match with Nigeria.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the championship, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo while commending the sponsor for the noble idea noted that not more than five ex- internationals will be allowed in a team while plans have been concluded to unveil Ambassador Olutoke as a patron of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club on the final day of the championship which coincides with his birthday.
International coordinator of the championship, Ademola Oyefeso said that he’s already working with people with like minds in New York and New Jersey in the United States of America to make the game have international outlook and also make people realize that life starts at 50 and can be rejigged and rejuvenated at that age.
Winner of the tournament will get N5 million while the first and second runners-up will be N2 million and N1 million richer.
