BY PRINCE SUNNY EBHOJIAYE
The much talked about maiden edition of Eze Okpoko 1 Football league kicked off in Alimosho Lagos, during the opening ceremony match, the match between Ndi Igbo Buru Otu team and the Legend Stars team ended goal-less at the regulation time while hard-fighting of Igbo speaking team and Obi Udo team also ended in a barren draw. Igbo speaking team parading tactical players could not be able to beat Obi Udo experienced players throughout the regulation time. Both team displayed technical knowledge of the game but age was not on their side as the two matches ended draw.
The football match later turned political arena with the Executive Chairman of Ikotunigando LCDA, Snr. Comrade Lasisi Ayinde Akinsanya used the football tournament opportunity to campaign for president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos state incoming Governor Obafemi Hamzat whom he described as the potential and preferred candidate to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Comrade Ayinde Akinsanya, humbly appealed to Igbo speaking community of Lagos state and other residents to support the All progressive congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
He urged the people to support the strong man of Lagos Bola Tinubu for a second term, saying a massive support would enable the present administration to secure greater political influence and attract a robust benefit to Lagos and its communities. The eloquent speaking Chairman Comrade Akinsanya also gave Kudos to president Bola Tinubu with praises to high heaven. He noted that president Bola Tinubu has done well and he needs to be supported for re-election. We are not just canvassing for votes for, our father president Bola Tinubu but we are excepting massive campaign and support. From Igbo speaking community to support the APC renewed hope agenda of president Tinubu.
Speaking on the important of the football tournament, Ayinde Akinsanya described Football and other sporting activities as powerful instrument for promoting peace and unity among people of different ethnic groups, ages and social backgrounds. He said, it is only Football tournament that you will see large people come together. He urged every participating team to approach the championship with discipline and sportsmanship, stressing that football should not be treated as a do-ordie affair. He commended the initiator of the football tournament, Eze Chika Nwokedi for initiative and commitment to supporting people and contribution to community development. Echika Nwokedu donated trophy and cash award for the winners.