The winners of the 2012 MTN/Lagos Street Soccer championship received their prizes on Wednesday, with the male champions Koilo 1 taking home N5 million and the female champions Go-for-Goal receiving N1 million. The awards were presented by MTN, the organisers of the annual event, at a reception held at the 1960 Eagles Park in Ikeja.
Winners and Prizes
Koilo 1, representing Lagos Island East, emerged victorious in the male category after a round-robin elimination series. Go-for-Goal, from Ikotun-Igando LCDA, claimed the female title. The final matches were played on September 16 at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.
In addition to the cash prizes, the first, second, and third-placed teams in the male category will travel to Spain, South Africa, and Gambia respectively. These international trips are part of the rewards for the top-performing teams.
Organisers' and Officials' Remarks
Dola Bamgboye, Manager of Events and Sponsorship at MTN, addressed the winning teams, urging them to remain disciplined and make the most of the opportunity. "You are now ambassadors and you must take this as the only opportunity you ever had. You have to make hay while the sun shines," he said.
Kamal Salau-Bashua, Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), expressed pride in the team's achievement. The LCDA had previously finished as runners-up twice before finally claiming the title. "We will make sure that the efforts of the players are not in vain. To ensure that they are properly guided, we have sent some of our coaches on courses. We are grateful to the sponsors and the state for the opportunity given us to participate and win the competition," Salau-Bashua said.
Players' Gratitude and Future Prospects
Jinadu Yusuf and Kolawale Rachel, captains of the male and female teams respectively, thanked MTN and the Lagos State Government for providing them and their teammates with the chance to display their talents. Their remarks underscored the significance of the championship in nurturing grassroots football talent in Lagos State.
The rewards and recognition are expected to motivate the players to pursue professional careers, with the support of their local councils and sponsors.
