Omoluabi Bridges Cup final holds on Saturday

THE finals of the maiden Omoluabi Bridges Under-17 Cup between Mendo FC and Moje Elites in the boys’ category and Omoluabi Stars and Oginni Queens in the girls’ category will hold on Saturday at the sports complex of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

Speaking during the unveiling of the finals of the competition in Lagos yesterday, Dickson Ifeanyi Egbukonye, who brought Bridges from America to Nigeria, said: “The stage is now set for the finals in Lagos. We will hold a clinic on Thursday, May 7 at the Arch-Bishop Memorial playground, Ikeja, a VIP dinner party at the Protea Leadway Hotel on Friday and the finals on Saturday.

“Our experience with the Save-A-Thon Project in Osun, I must say devoid of all contradictions has remained nostalgic, because, at every phase we had, there was conviction that it was destined to succeed and that is why we are bringing the template to launch it in Lagos. The winners of the finals on Saturday will have the opportunity of going on a tour of USA later in the year as part of Save-A-Thon Project of exposing the boys and girls, as well as giving them the chance to interact with their American counterparts.”

The tournament, which began in Osun State last May, is being organised by a non-profit organisation, Save-A-Thon-Project, from the United States, which, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Bridges to America, Adams Miles, is a continuing charitable work to help African youth change their futures through the world’s sport of soccer.

He said, “We aim to build a world-class soccer academy in Nigeria, West Africa by the end of 2017. We provide opportunities for American young women to travel to Nigeria to conduct community soccer clinics, play exhibition matches, and serve the people there.

“We also provide opportunities for Nigerian youth to showcase their soccer abilities and heart by hosting a soccer tournament called the Bridges Cup. The winning girls’ team and the winning boys’ team will receive the chance to visit the USA to play soccer and be exposed to businesses and schools here to open their minds and inspire their hearts.”