The city of Lagos is agog as the 13 edition of Haggai All Stars Soccer Tournament kicks off at various centres across the state. The tournament which is being organized by National Grassroot Soccer Foundation is expected to kick off on May 5, 2018 and end on July 28, 2018 at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Speaking ahead the tourney, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prince Tony Eke told The Point that the competition is meant to keep ex-internationals and other top Nigerian players in top shape and draw the attention of government to the plight of retired players in the society.
“NIGOSODEF commenced the All Stars tourney in 2006 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and till date the competition has continued to bring our ex-internationals together.
“In this year’s tourney, we have 12 teams who will battle for honour and they are grouped into four with three teams per group,” he began.
In his analysis, Eke revealed that Group A comprises of LASU All Stars, Apapa All Stars and Badagry All Stars, while Group B is made up of Obele/Lawanson All Stars, Dynamos All Stars and FFC All Stars of Surulere.
Group C according to the pairings is made up of Loco All Stars, Ebute Meta All Stars and Triple 1 All Stars of Festac Extension and Kirikiri All Stars, while Group D comprises of FJK International All Stars of Agege, LASPOTECH All Stars of Ikorodu and Firm All Stars of Aja.
According to the organizers, the opening game on May 5, 2018 holds at LASU soccer pitch between LASU All Stars and Apapa All Stars.
Aside the coveted trophy that will be handed over to the winner at the end of the competition, nine awards will be up for grabs, namely, Best venue, Best referee, Oldest player, Highest goal scorer, Best coach, Most Valuable Player, Best defender, Best midfielder and Best Goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Eke has called on government, Corporate Nigeria and individuals doing business in the country to support the competition which is aimed at giving ex-internationals a sense of belonging after serving the nation well with their God-given talent.
