His Royal Majesty, Oba Lasisi Gbadamonsi of Onigando of Igandoland, Oro-Otan III will be among the guests that would witness the opening match of Onigando Cup which kicks off on Saturday at the Igando Palace playground, Alimosho, Lagos.
Three matches have been lined up for Saturday when Dynamos FC confront BATE FC, Baale Oko Oke FC battle Young Stars, while EFCC FC would take on Christ Embassy FC for the last match of the day.
The tournament is part of the activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the traditional ruler who has spent forty years on the throne. The anniversary would hold in September.
The match coordinator, Prince Sulaiman Gbadamonsi confirmed that 20 teams
are expected to battle for honour, adding that His Royal Majesty and other palace chiefs would be available to add glamour to the tourney.
“ Of course we are expecting a full house in the opening match. Don’t forget that our traditional ruler, Oba Onigando of Igandoland will lead other invited dignitaries to declare the tournament open. I wish all the teams best of luck in their outings, “he said.
Sulaiman urged the participating teams to abide by the rules and regulations, saying that any team that violates the rules would be sanctioned.
He said the tourney is being organised as part of the 40th anniversary of the traditional ruler and teams should not see the tournament as a do- or – die affair.
“We don’t want to condone any form of violence and we are urging all club owners and coaches to talk to their players for them to shun any vice that can bring the tournament into disrepute during and after the event. We have employed the service of certified referees from Lagos State Referees Council to officiate all the matches, and I believe that the fear of biased officiating has been taken care of. I want to assure that all the teams would be given equal treatment, “ he said.