By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
In order to have a successful Season 2 of the annual Above 50 Football Championship, organisers of the tournament have set up two committees namely; technical and media committees that will start work in earnest ahead of the kick off date.
In its inaugural meeting held recently with all the team coaches, coordinators and other stakeholders in attendance, Chairman of the tournament, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo explained that the committees became necessary in order to correct the mistakes identified in the maiden edition and also put modalities on ground that will make this year’s edition more glamorous.
Coach Sunny Epochi is to head the technical committee, while Mr. Oyeniya Sunday Adebayo will serve as the secretary.
Other members of the committee are; Peter Nieketien, Sunday Samuel Ilevbare, Alhaji Salau Abiodun Rauf, Princess Olayori and Dr. Rafiu Oladipo who will serve as honorary member.
Veteran journalist, Effiong Nyong was appointed Chairman of the Media Committee.
Other members are Raymond Akparhuere, Ayo Ojedokun and Ogunsile Olukayode with Ifeanyi Eduzor serving as the secretary.
The technical committee was charged to meet at least twice a month.
Apart from setting up the committees, it was resolved that teams will carry out fresh registration for this year’s championship which will comprise of 20 players and two goalkeepers while NIN will be used to identify the true ages of players.
The Above 50 Football Championship is an initiative of Ambassador Dr. Edward Olutoke, President of Ikeja Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
It enables senior citizens and retired international and national team players opportunity to once again play football, recreate, keep fit and network.
Winner of the maiden edition got N5 million while the first and second runners-up got N2 million and N1 million respectively.
