The chairman of Lagos State Football Coaches Association, Raymond Akalugbo has thrown his weight fully behind a plan that has been set in motion to stage a competition in honour of late Osahon Emokpae.
Sports247 gathered that the competition, which is the brainchild of Nigerian Grassroots Football Federation (NGFF), is scheduled to take place on August 13th at Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Stadium, FESTAC Town, Lagos.
NGFF secretary-general, Mr Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel revealed in a chat wirh Sports247 that Coach Raymond immediately keyed into the idea the moment it was brought to his notice, while asserting the need to give the late gaffer a befitting memorial.
The NGFF scribe, who is fondly called ‘TM,’ added that many other youth football stakeholders, who were associates and colleagues of Coach Osahon in and around the Ojo/Badagry axis will also play key roles in the competition.
Among personalities who are already being contacted to support the project are renowned FESTAC Town-based players’ agents, Marshal Mbre; FHA sports officer, Chinedu ‘China’ Okoroji; and NGFF president, Alhaji Agboola Dabiri.
Also earmarked to lend helping hands to the competition are Coach Osahon’s former employers – Barrister Churchill Oliseh of Sagamu-based FC Ebedie and a players agent-turned-clergyman in Eswatini, Pastor Victor Macdonald of God’s Glory Ministries (GGM).
Also expected to play a key role in making the one-day competition tagged ‘Osahon Emokpae Memorial Football Carnival’ a huge success is Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) chairman, Hajj Gafar Olawale Liameed, who personally recommended the late coach to be appointed as caretaker committee chairman of Badagry Division Football Association (BDFA).
“Everything has been set in motion to ensure we organise a befitting competition in honour of Coach Osahon, who gave all his life to football. The coaches have done their own. It’s now time for players and administrators to honour him.
“We’ve already shortlisted 12 clubs to play the one-day carnival. The matches will be 20 minutes each and played on a knock-out basis, from 8am to 4pm, with a trophy to be won at the end.
“It promises to be a real carnival of football to reflect those things that Coach Osahon loved while he was alive. I’m sure he’ll be happy while watching us from heaven,” said TM Oscar.
Sports247 gathered further that support is also expected from the director-general of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government sports, McAnthony Anuforo Amaelechukwu and renowned kit supplier, Paul Maduakor of Zenith Sports Limited.
ALL THE TEAMS
1. Young Stars FC of Satellite Town
2. Young Eleven FC of Ojo
3. Vinod FC of Surulere
4. Golden Intercontinental FC of Orile-Iganmu
5. Flying Sports Academy of FESTAC Town
6. Ecas FC of Agboju
7. Santana Boys FC of Ajangbadi
8. SC Heritage of Ojo Barracks
9. Festico FC of FESTAC Town
10. Awori United of Ojo
11. CATS Boys FC of Surulere
12. NGFF All Stars
