Eko Football: Oba's Cup Kicks-Off Next Week

The waiting game is over as the draws for the 2013 Skye Bank Oba Cup took place midweek simultaneously across all the five divisions in the state. The championship which had a record 133 clubs registered for it will kick-off next week at the divisional level.

Chairman of the Technical committee of the State FA, Dotun Coker disclosed that the championship in honor of the paramount ruler of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu will see the clubs competing in their various divisions for a place in the State’s last 16.

Coker noted that Lagos Divisional Football Association, LDFA with the largest registration of 66 clubs will present 8 teams for the State’s last 16, while Ikeja Divisional Football Association with a total number of 26 clubs will have 3 clubs qualifying for the State stage. The other three divisions remaining, namely Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry divisional FA with 18 clubs, 16 clubs and 7 clubs respectively, will produce the remaining 5 clubs that will make up the last 16 number, Ikorodu and Epe divisional FA's will have 2 clubs each and Badagry divisional FA would present 1 club.

He however expressed satisfaction with the divisional FA's for a job well-done, urging them to work harder to have a very smooth tournament sponsored by Skye Bank PLC, that will lead to a very befitting final in honour of his royal highness, Oba Rilwan Akiolu,.

Meanwhile the five divisional FA’s have proposed various venues for the divisional matches, Lagos Divisional FA proposed Onikan Stadium and Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos. Ikorodu Divisional FA, picked Police Barracks, Ikorodu, Playground, with Ikeja Divisional FA proposing Welfare Playground in Ikeja and Agege Stadium, Agege.

Badagry Divisional FA on their part picked Grammar School Playing field, while Epe Divisional FA are proposing Recreation Playground, Epe.

Coker concluded with the slogan of the customer friendly bank slogan, expanding your world, saying they intend to expand the scope of soccer in the State hence reason for taking the matches to the basics which is the divisons.