Sixteen teams are gearing up to compete for glory as the second edition of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament kicks off in Lagos this October.
At a vibrant draw ceremony and media briefing held on Thursday at Ijewere Hall, CIBN Building, Victoria Island, the 16 teams that qualified from the divisional rounds were placed into four groups.
Group A features Alaodus FC, Peckins FC, New Generation FC, and All Saints FC. In Group B, Greater Tomorrow FA, Emaljus FC, Young Strikers FC, and White Tigers will go head-to-head. Group C includes Evagrin FC, Blood and Sand FC, Chekas United, and Orion & Leon FC, while Group D consists of Soccer Gems FA, Net Breakers FC, Wasola FC, and Papa SA.
The state finals are scheduled to kick off on Sunday, October 26, at the Stables Sports Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.
Tournament convener, Dr. Bankole Alibay, announced that a technology seminar will be introduced during the event to help players gain modern skills beyond football.
“We’re looking at life beyond football for these players. That’s why we’re including a tech week within the tournament period where participants can learn skills such as artificial intelligence, coding, machine learning, and more,” Alibay explained.
He also assured fans and participants of a more refined competition compared to the inaugural edition held in 2024.
“We’ve raised the bar in terms of organisation and opportunities. Professional scouts from Europe will attend the games, creating a platform for players to be noticed by foreign clubs,” he added.
The draw event attracted top football figures, including Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Mr. Dotun Coker; former Edo FA Chairman, Hon. Frank Ilaboya; Chairman of the Lagos Island Divisional Football Association, Mr. Bakare Alalekan; representatives of the Lagos State Sports Commission, and other key stakeholders.
All 16 teams, alongside their coaches and club owners, were present for the ceremony, signalling the start of what promises to be an exciting and competitive championship.
