BY JOE APU
Nigerian football ex-internationals can now heave a sigh of relief and contentment with a football tournament in their honour coming to light yesterday courtesy of the Dr. Rafiu Oladipo Sports Foundation in conjunction with Winners Golden Belt.
The tournament aimed at bringing back stars like Segun Odegbami, Henry Nwosu, Tarila Okorowanta, Etim Essien, Austin Okocha and others and celebrating them will also see them showcasing once more to the general public the skills that made them great.
Disclosing this to the media yesterday Chairman of the foundation, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, noted that the championship which is slated for Sunday July 17 – August 28 will be played at the Nigeria Ports Authority Play Ground, Surulere and will involve 14 teams namely; Firm All Stars, Arsenal Nigeria, Ojota All Stars, Ikorodu All Stars, Grasodon All Stars, FKJ, NPA All Stars, Paco All Stars, Apapa- Ajegunle All Stars, Ajar All Stars, Eti- 0sa All Stars, LASU All Stars, FESTAC All Stars and St Mary All Stars amongst others.
According to him, the foundation decided to organize the tournament to create room for ex- internationals to recreate and ensure they are not only remembered when they are dead but honoured while alive. “We are organizing this tournament not only to celebrate those that brought honour to the country through football but to also recognise their contributions which seems to have been forgotten over the years”, noted Ladipo who also doubles as President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club.
Tournament’s ambassador, Henry Nwosu while commending the foundation for the noble idea, explained that the championship will enable former players to re-connect and have a sense of belonging even as he promised that the technical department will ensure good officiating as well as check the use of machineries in the month- long championship.