The Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Chairman in Ogun State, Alhaji Waheed Kashimaawo Lawal has hinted that a date has been picked for the commencement of the national football tournament that was instituted to immortalize the late business Mogul and Pillar of sport in Africa, Bashorun MKO Abiola in year 2000 but has rested since 2006.
The Under-18 Boys Soccer Tournament according Ogun YSFON boss will attract participants from not less than 30 states and FCT with expectation to run from between 20th August to 26th August this year to coincide with the posthumous birthday of the late Sports Icon which is 24th of every August.
Alhaji Lawal said “like the Ramat Cup which is been held annually in the City Kano in honour of the late Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Muritala Ramat Muhammed, MKO Abiola’s Cup will also be organized by Ogun YSFON in honour late Bashorun MKO Abiola in the ancient city of Abeokuta Ogun State”.
Ogun YSFON Chairman in a chat with newsmen further eulogised the late Pillar of Sports in Africa, MKO Abiola saying apart from being the Pillar of Sports in the whole of Africa, Abiola also did a lot more for the development of Sports in Nigeria and Ogun State.
“Don’t forget that Abiola owed a football Club based in Abeokuta (Abiola Babes), he was the first Club owner that increased his Players’ salary by more than 200percent, and while defending his decision, he said footballers are like soldiers sent to the war from who must be fully equipped and the only way to equip footballers is to give them more and more money”.
“Abiola was also the first to give car loan to the footballers when the players of Abiola Babes in 1984 got cars and he was the first club owner to fly an injured player abroad for treatment, and above all, MKO Abiola was a Grand Patron of YSFON while alive, so Ogun YSFON has thought it wise to revive the annual football tournament in his honour in order to immortalise him”.
“Supports is being expected from the Ogun State Government and spirited individuals and corporate organizations which include the owner of Remo FC, Mr. Kunle Soname and Agroterra Sport Academy, Abeokuta, Ogun State”, Lawal disclosed.
