Ex-internationals, Kanu Nwankwo and Daniel Amokachi as well as sponsor of the National Patron Unity Cup, Prof Obiora Okonkwo have hinted the formation of a league for the association to run each season after witnessing the excellent performance of the two teams that played the final on Saturday.
Kanu and Amokachi were guests at the final of the Unity Cup played at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
In the final encounter, the Refrigerator, Air-Condition Dealers Association, RADA FC defeated Adems International Market Odun Ade Plumbing Materials 6-5 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 during regulation time.
Speaking after the game, Kanu and Amokachi echoed the need for keeping the group together by having a league game.
Kanu said: “The truth is we have to give credit to Prof. Obiora Okonkwo. It’s not easy to power a project like this. I never expected a massive turn out but getting here, I was impressed. Lots of great men are sitting at home without contributing anything to the development of sports in Nigeria. I’m also impressed with what I saw in terms of style of play. I thought it’s going to be a kick and follow football but the traders here proved me wrong. They all embrace the spirit of professionalism. And I urged them to continue doing their best for the sake of scouts. This is what units the country and I’m confident there’s more to come.”
Speaking in the same vein, Amokachi added: “I’m impressed with the quality of play and at a point I started asking myself are you sure these guys are traders. I give kudos to the organizers and where these traders are discovered. I’m not here to talk about the league I’m here to celebrate the tourney.”
However, the grand patron of the association who doubles as the chairman United Airline Limited, Prof Obiora commended the teams for their team spirit during the competition, promising that the next edition would be massive.
“I’m impressed with what I have seen so far and we never can tell any of them can pick up a professional career from here. This has nothing to do with politics. This is Lagos and we’re here enjoying ourselves and I can bet you that the next edition will be more massive than this,” he said.