Wale Joseph, Chairman, Local Organising Committee of 2018 Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Cup, on Wednesday advised media organisations to present only eligible players in the event.
Joseph told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the organisations should submit in good time lists of their players, which must be genuine staff of the media outfits.
NAN reports that the Bet9ja-sponsored event, restricted to television, radio and online sports writers, would hold in the Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos from September 28 to October 5.
Joseph said: “This is an annual event organised by Lagos chapter of SWAN, which is an atmosphere to socialise among ourselves outside the newsroom and engage in football activity.
“We are aware that it is strictly for sports writers of media organisations.
“This is the reason we are warning against the use of ‘mercenaries’ because there will be instant disqualification.
“Organisations are to submit their teams list with photocopy of valid identity cards of the players early in our secretariat in the National Stadium, where the screening will be conducted.”
Joseph said only registered media organisations whose team list met the competition requirements during the screening would be accredited to feature in the eight-day event.
The LOC chairman noted that there would be prizes for Most Valuable Player, highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper, including best radio, television station, social media and individual awards.
Joseph said the opening game would feature a match between SWAN veterans and Family United by Sports, while the grand final would have SWAN ladies vs team Omidiran.
“We will have our veterans on the field with the likes of Amaju Pinnick, Nigeria Football Federation President; Patrick Ikeji, former Director General of the defunct National Sports Commission; and outstanding ex-international footballers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Debo Oshundun, SWAN Lagos State Chairman, who expressed support for the LOC, told NAN that integrity, truthfulness and transparency must be applied to make the event memorable.
Oshundun promised to bring more of such social events and extend welfare package to members and less privileged in the state.
He said: “I support the screening programme of the LOC because I stand for honesty and we must get it right and sustain the standard in the forthcoming SWAN cup and other events.
“Within the short period of our inauguration, we have visited orphanages and hospitals with gift items and cash support to offset medical bills in our little way.”
NAN reports that bet9ja, a sports betting outfit and official sponsor of the 2018 edition of the SWAN Cup, pledged N5 million as sponsorship package for the event.
NAN.
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