Partner, Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament, Kola Daniel has stated that all modalities have been put in place for a hitch-free tournament holding at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos as from November 1st.
He confirmed that the final two weeks to the start of the maiden edition of the tournament is being used to finalize all arrangements and ensure that even though the Ottasolo Pre-season Tourney is only in its debut, it would still rank among the best organized pre-season tournaments.
Daniel, who is a media aide to the Minister of Youth and Sports confirmed the participation of Niger Tornadoes, Gombe United, Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, 3SC, Kwara United, and Remo Stars.
“It has been two weeks of intensive preparation aimed at trying to package the first of its kind pre-season tournament in Nigeria named Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament that is going to take place in Lagos,” Daniel disclosed in a radio programme monitored in Abuja.
“The start of the tourney is gathering momentum and clubs have been showing their interest to take part. We have got top NPFL clubs that have indicated interest to participate.
“Lobi Stars, Gombe United, Niger Tornadoes, Sunshine Stars, 3SC, and as well Remo Stars are the NPFL clubs that will attend the pre-season tournament. Ottasolo FC will also take part.”
Daniel hailed the sponsor of the pre-season tournament, Gabriel Davies who is also the owner of fast-rising Ottasolo FC and he described him as an advocate of grassroots football who played the game to the highest level before he quit to venture into the football business.
He also thumbed up the metamorphosis of Ottasolo FC who qualified for the Nigeria National League barely a season in the Nigeria Nationwide League and he confirmed the participation of Ottasolo FC in the pre-season tournament.
“Ottasolo FC is owned by Gabriel Davies who is an advocate of grassroots football. He played for Stationery Stores and left the shores of Nigeria to play in the Benin Republic,” Daniel continued.
“He played in the same club as Benin Republic internationals Mouri Ogounbiyi, Rasak Omotoyossi, Jonas Oketola, and others who were looking up to him when he was still active.
“He is a man with a vision and good passion to ensure that players are off the streets and are given a new source of livelihood and also engage them. It was the reason why he decided to venture into the football business.
“Ottasolo FC played in the Nationwide League last season immediately the club gained promotion to play in the Nigeria National League this season.
The Minister of Sports Media aide believes that the pre-season tournament will help equip the participating NPFL teams to help gauge the level of their preparedness and also ensure they tie all loose ends before the season commences later in the year.
“The essence of this pre-season tourney is to prepare clubs taking part to gauge the level of their preparedness for the fast-approaching start of the season. It will enable them to see loopholes they intend to correct before the start of the season too.
“Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament is ready and by the first of November we will kick off the maiden edition in Lagos. Mobolaji Johnson Stadium Arena, Lagos will host the matches of the tourney.
“All modalities have been put in place. The Coordinator of the tournament, Badawiy Bashir has been working helter-skelter to ensure all hands are on deck for a hitch-free tournament,” he concluded.
