Spires 5 Aside: Elaho, Ilaboya Thump Up Organisers

It was commendations galore for the Organisers of the ongoing Spires 5 Aside tournament as the tournament enters the final stage this Saturday.

On Wednesday, the two finalists, All Saints and White Lions emerged after pulsating semifinal matches at the Stable Football Pitch, formerly Union Bank Sports Complex at Surulere area of Lagos.

Former Edo State Football Association Chairman, Hon Frank Ilaboya, who was the Special Guest of honour commended the organisers for taking the tournament to a new level in organisation.

“First, I am fascinated with the ambience of the tournament, I like the setting and the creativity behind it,” the one time Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria said.

He continued; “This is absolutely a new level for street soccer tournaments in Nigeria and I must salute Spires Media for making this happen, competition of this nature is all we need to propagate the true essence of grassroots football development in the country.”

For Friday Elaho, the Algiers ‘90 Nations Cup revelation, Spires MEDIA has revolutionised organisation of tournaments in Nigeria.

The ex- international who mentored the finalists in their camp arranged by the Organisers praised the creativity and innovation brought into the tournament.

“Honestly I am thrilled with the organisation of this tournament, I can see a lot of creativity in their organisation and players welfare

“I was invited to mentor the players and officials of the finalists on Thursday right in the camp provided for them by the organisers. I couldn’t believe this was happening in Nigeria.

“The players and officials were all excited to see me, most of them were meeting me for the first time and you could see their excited faces.

“Give it to the organisers for this great and wonderful innovation. I employ football stakeholders to take a cue from Spires Media, added the player fondly referred to as Elastic Elahor.

The finals of the tournament, which comes up this Saturday between All Saints FC and White Tigers of Lagos Island, will be played at the lush green Stable Pitch, formerly Union Bank Sports Complex, Surulere, Lagos, with winners smiling home with the sum of N5m.

The 2nd and 3rd place will go home with N3 and N1m respectively.