In a momentous triumph for Surulere and its passionate sporting community, Chairman Sulaiman Yusuf proudly announced that Surulere Local Government has been awarded the coveted hosting rights for the 2023 Lagos Street Soccer Championship (LSSC). This exciting development promises to bring a surge of enthusiasm and sporting vibrancy to the “Sport City” of Surulere.
Chairman Sulaiman Yusuf’s elation was palpable as he shared his sentiments on this prestigious achievement. “We are excited about this development,” he exclaimed. “Using sports as an engaging tool for the teeming youth of Surulere is part of our core mandate. We are glad that the Lagos State Street Soccer Committee has given us a platform to actualise this vision.”
Surulere’s selection as the host for the opening ceremony of the 2023 LSSC holds profound significance, acknowledging the area’s rich sporting heritage and commitment to nurturing talent. Yusuf extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) and the Lagos State Street Soccer body for their recognition of Surulere’s sporting prowess.
This milestone is a testament to Surulere’s enduring legacy as a breeding ground for sporting talent. With iconic venues like the National Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadium within its bounds, Surulere has rightfully earned the moniker “Sports City.” Chairman Sulaiman Yusuf expressed his anticipation, stating, “This championship will engage the young ones positively; this tournament will definitely be the starting point for some of the stars that it will produce.”
The Lagos Street Soccer body, led by Chairman Bolaji Yusuf, confirmed Surulere as the preferred choice among numerous hosting bids from across the state. The committee, entrusted with the task of revitalising the championship initiated by the LSFA in 2008, recognises the potential of Surulere as the ideal setting to kickstart this celebrated event.
Bolaji Yusuf emphasised the committee’s commitment to reviving street soccer across Lagos State, underscoring the importance of this championship in fostering grassroots football development. He stated, “We are glad to announce that Surulere will host the 2023 Lagos Street Soccer Championship opening ceremony. This decision was taken after several considerations by the committee in conjunction with the Lagos State FA.”
The 2023 LSSC, which has grown in scope, purpose, and prospects over the years, symbolises the success of Public-Private Partnership in advancing socio-economic development through sport. It has played a pivotal role in enhancing the grassroots football landscape in Lagos State, with no fewer than 3,000 teams and over 30,000 players and officials benefiting from its impact during seven memorable seasons from 2008 to 2014.
As the anticipation mounts for this upcoming spectacle, Surulere Local Government, under the leadership of Chairman Sulaiman Yusuf, pledges to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure a grand and memorable hosting ceremony that befits the stature of the 2023 Lagos Street Soccer Championship. This event promises to be a remarkable showcase of talent and a celebration of Surulere’s enduring sporting spirit.
Also celebrating, Waheed Akanni, the former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) and a former player of the now-defunct NEPA FC of Lagos, expressed his enthusiasm for this landmark event, emphasising its potential to keep the youth actively engaged. He fondly referred to Surulere as the “sports city,” highlighting its rich history as a breeding ground for sporting talent.
“Surulere is known as a sports city. That’s where a lot of us came from. There were lots of open spaces where we played football. And with the presence of the National Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere rightly earned the appellation ‘sports city.’ I’m glad that this year’s edition will be hosted here. This championship will engage the young ones positively; this tournament will definitely be the starting point for some of the stars that it will produce,” he remarked.
