Ex-internationals honour Tinubu with novelty match
The city of Lagos was agog on Sunday as ex-internationals honoured former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with a novelty match played at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.
The match was part of the activities marking Tinubu’s 64th birthday celebration which comes up on Tuesday,March, 29, 2016. Organised by Lagos Sports Family, the highly entertaining match was played between ex-internationals and members of the Lagos State Executive Council. Some of the ex- internationals who were handled by Coach Joe Erico and Dosu Joseph includes former Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo, Yisa Sofoluwe, Gbenga Okunowo, Henry Nwosu, Tajudeen Disu, Jide Oguntuase, Mutiu Adepoju, Raymond King, Peter Rufai, Ike Shoronmu, Ifeanyi Udeze, Godwin Okpara, Wasiu Ipaye, Victor Agali, Mike Onyemachara amongst others, while the Lagos State Exco team was led by Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports/Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu. Both teams entertained the crowd with their good soccer skills with Henry Nwosu and Godwin Okpara scoring two goals for the ex- internationals, while former Golden Eaglets star, Festus Odini pulled one back for the governor’s side to end the game 2-1 in favour of the ex-internationals.
Speaking at the end of the match, Tinubu expressed his gratitude that Lagos State found it worthy to celebrate him through the novelty match, promising that he will always support youth development through sport.
He commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his efforts at giving the state quality leadership.
“I want to commend the performing governor of Lagos State for honouring me with this novelty match and I am indeed grateful!
“The event was well packaged and I thank all the ex-internationals who made out time amidst their tight schedules to play in this novelty game. Since you have honoured me today, God will also honour you all. I sincerely thank you for being role models to many youths in the country.
“I want to state that sports has continued to played the role of a unifying factor among the diverse people of Nigeria and Lagos will continue to serve as a breeding ground for the budding stars at the grassroots,” he assured.
Governor Ambode while describing Tinubu as a visionary leader and mentor commended the organisers for making the match a memorable event.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the match, Prince Falade Oyekan, told Extra Time that the match became necessary in order to celebrate an icon and political guru who during his tenure laid good foundation for sports development in Lagos State.
