Winner Of MTN Lagos Street Soccer,Sikiru Ishola, Commends MTN

Chief Coach of the Lawal Akapo team, winners of the just concluded MTN Lagos Street Soccer Season Four, Sikiru Ishola, has expressed gratitude to telecommunication company, MTN Nigeria for creating the opportunity to exhibit their talents, and for supporting a platform for achieving their dreams of being a professional football club.

The coach, who is still basking in the euphoria of his side’s victory, was full of gratitude to MTN Nigeria for putting its weight behind the interest and passion of Nigerian youths, through the sponsorship of the grassroots soccer championship since its inception in 2007.

According to Coach Ishola who could not hide his excitement during their travel tour of Dubai, “What MTN Nigeria has done for Nigerian youths through the sponsorship of the Street Soccer competition is a laudable gesture which other corporate organisations must learn from if they really have the interest of the people in mind.”

He further said: “On behalf of my team, we want to thank MTN Nigeria for the wonderful opportunity given to us to exhibit our talents as a team. Having a big company like MTN to sponsor the Street Soccer Championship is enough for us to be thankful because it is an opportunity to develop Nigerian football from the grassroots. The reward, including our travel tour to Dubai, is another wonderful feat we will not forget in a hurry.”

On his part, Captain of the team, Ayinde Rasheed, who scored a hat trick during their 11-3 victory over Ah Daaf Sports Club during a friendly match in Dubai, expressed delight at the experience of playing an international friendly against a team from the oil city.

According to Rasheed, who spoke on behalf of his team-mates, being in Dubai was like a dream come true. “I never thought this would happen to me so soon. We are so grateful to MTN for making this happen to us. Everybody is happy because of this international exposure, and by the grace of God; this is the beginning of great things in our lives,” he said.

Segment Manager, Mass Market, MTN Nigeria, Mrs Saidat Lawal Mohammed, who was also in the contingent to Dubai, charged the players to keep their heads high and be at their best in every opportunity they have to exhibit their talents.

“MTN Nigeria has given you a very good platform to ride upon and achieve your dreams of being professional footballers through the Lagos Street Soccer Championship. You are therefore encouraged to be focused and put up your best performance, knowing that MTN Nigeria is with you,” she advised.

Lawal Akapo team emerged winners of the Season Four edition of the MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship, winning the ultimate cash price of N5 million and an all-expense paid travel tour to Dubai. The first and second runner-up teams also enjoyed an all-expense paid trip to South Africa and The Gambia, with additional cash prizes of N3 million and N2 million respectively.