Akinwunmi tasks Team Lagos players on career, education

Chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has tasked players of Lagos State’s football teams to the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) to focus on making a good name out of their careers spiced with good education.

Akinwunmi, also the first Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was speaking on Sunday evening at a reception organised by the LSFA in honour of the two teams that won silver medals at the 20th Nigerian Olympics.

“We are here to welcome you back home and to say thank you to the team’s contingent, coaches, players, and backroom staff, we are proud of you all.

“We appreciate your attitude and the kind of football you played. Your progress is our mission, you have got the experience and you all will be stronger. You all have made us proud,” said Akinwunmi at the event held at the Soccer Temple, Agege.

Edo State’s football teams defeated Lagos State in finals of both football events by slim margins to condemn the teams to the silver medals. Youngsters like Hassan Akinkunmi and Godwin Odibo (Men’s team) as well as Destiny Olawuni (Women’s team) distinguished themselves for Team Lagos at the tournament.

Akinwunmi declared the FA’s intention to support the players in their careers.

“We are ready to support your progress, we know what we have done to support different kids in Lagos, footballers and also those willing to acquire education. We have saved a lot from slavery contracts as well.

“Football is gradual, with the right support you will get there. You have to take the right steps, if you are patient you will get there. You all need education, educated players is a better player. An educated player as security after playing.

“We are not interested in football agencies, we are only interested in your success. We are here to guide you and support your progress. This is the beginning for you all, you have to continue working hard. The glory is for us in Lagos, this is the reason why we have to work together as a family. My board members have been fantastic and we are proud that our work has come to fruition,” added Akinwunmi.

Head coach of the men’s team, Hamidi Suleiman showered encomiums on his boys for their performance in Benin City despite the drama and intimidation in the final game.

He said; “We appreciate the opportunity for us to compete in the Festival, I want to salute my boys for their performance despite the challenges in Benin City.

“It was an amazing experience and I think we were good ambassadors of the State. We lost in the final, football is a game of chance, but despite losing the final game, we were the centre of attention for those at the stadium.”