Five states will converge on Akure this week for the fifth edition of the South-West Veterans Zonal Football Qualifiers, with hosts Ondo State aiming to secure the region’s sole ticket to the national competition.
The three-day tournament, organised by the Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans, begins on Friday, September 4,with participating teams expected to arrive in Akure on Thursday.
President of the Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans, Rafiu Yusuf (Elele), disclosed this at a press briefing in Akure, the Ondo State Capital.
Yusuf, who was flanked by the other executive members of the association, said Ondo, Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo and Osun states would battle for the sole South-West qualifying ticket, while Ogun State has already secured automatic qualification as host of the national competition.
He explained that the draws would be held at the Ondo State Sports Complex Hall by 5pm upon the arrival of the participating teams, with the competition kicking off on Friday.
According to him, the competition would be played in a round-robin format, with each state playing three matches. Some teams may play twice in a day, with matches scheduled start from about 7am into the evening.
“Only one team from the South-West zone will qualify for the national competition, scheduled to hold in Ogun State in November,” he said.
Yusuf said Ondo State had consistently represented the zone at the national level, including last year when it emerged as the only South-West state to qualify for the national tournament in Lagos.
He assured the visiting states of maximum security, saying arrangements had been made with the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Amotekun Corps and other relevant security agencies to ensure a safe environment for players and spectators.
He explained that the tournament was designed not only as a sporting event but also to help former footballers maintain their fitness, reunite with old teammates and promote their well-being after retirement.
The Vice-President of the Ondo State All Stars Football veterans, Comrade Gbenga Agbaje, said the association was also using its activities to identify and support emerging football talent.
He added that the club organised inter-club competitions for young players and had facilitated trials with clubs within Akure and beyond with some players already securing opportunities.
The organisers appealed to residents of Ondo State, individuals and the state government to support the tournament, describing the participation of five states as an opportunity to showcase Akure and promote football in the state.
They also urged sports writers in the state to help publicise and propagate he tournament, calling on residents to turn out in large numbers to support the Ondo team.
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