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Lagos discovers new soccer talents at BAT 2021 CUP

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Lagos State Legislative Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the recently concluded 2021 Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Unity Cup has uncovered new football talent in the ‘State.

Obasa made this known during the last match of the BAT Unity Cup 2021 played on Saturday at the Agege stadium in Lagos.

The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the first edition of the tournament began on March 13 to commemorate the 69th birthday of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the national leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The speaker said the state government organized the grassroots football competition to ensure unity among the state’s youth.

He said the state has been able to engage young people in a meaningful way through the grassroots tournament.

Obasa was represented by the Director General of the BAT Foundation, Mr. Ipoola Omisore.

He said the competition organizers will increase the number of participating teams in the 57 local council development areas and local government areas of the state.

The speaker praised the Ikorodu North for winning the first edition of the competition, saying the participating teams showcased their talents.

“It was a tournament that brought our young people together, and they were able to show their talents, rather than engaging in negative activities that can destroy their lives and their futures.

“This competition allowed the discovery of a few young boys aged 16 to 22 and the idle hands of these young people will be reduced.

“I advise these teams to stick together for the next edition which will be played by the 57 state LCDA and LGA,” he said.

Obasa also advised council chairmen to invest in the future of their teams so that they can replace older players in the country.

He said the 2022 edition would involve legal entities sponsoring the tournament, instead of putting the expenses in the hands of the government.

In addition, Ms. Opeyemi Akindele, Special Advisor to the President on Party Affairs, said the organizers labeled the tournament “Unity” because Tinubu believed in uniting the people.

Akindele said the tournament also inspired young people to come together.

According to her, the organizers have selected only eight LCDAs and LGAs from the three senatorial districts, but the 2022 edition will involve all local authorities in the state.

Akindele said the winner of the competition went home with N 250,000, the second runner-up with N 150,000, while the third took N 100,000.

NAN reports that the 2021 BAT Unity Cup was won by Ikorodu North LCDA, beating Alimosho LCDA by just one goal.

The third place match was played between Ifako Ijaiye and Agege LGA, which ended 3-0 in favor of Ifako Ijaiye.

A novelty match was played between special advisers Obasa and the organizers which ended 0-2 in favor of the organizers.

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