By Monica Iheakam
All is set for a welcome dinner party to usher in the much-anticipated ‘Above 50’ football tournament kicking off on Friday July 28, 2023.
The dinner party, according to the organisers, is aimed at welcoming all the eight participating teams from across the nation to the championship taking place at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Initiator and sponsor, Dr. Edward Olutoke, disclosed that the football match would last for 50 minutes with water breaks.
“Right now, all the teams are talking tough ahead of the tournament and I can assure you that we’re ready to go and the championship will be full of fun as the idea is not only to play football but to give participants the opportunity to network, discuss business ideas and keep fit.
“Thursday there will be a welcome dinner for all the teams which includes teams from Abeokuta, Abuja, Itire, Ikeja, Alimosho amongst others.
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.
The overall champions of the competition will go home with N5 million while the first and second runners-up will be N2 million and N1 million richer while there will also be other attractive prizes for participating teams.