Organisers may change venue of Naija Super 8 over disagreement with Lagos FA vice-chair

This year’s edition of Naija Super 8, Nigeria’s biggest off-season football competition, may be postponed over a disagreement between the organisers and Olawale Gafar, vice chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), TheCable understands. 

An alternative venue is not ruled, with the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo state, being considered, according to sources in the know of the development.

Gafar, a grassroots football enthusiast and owner of 36 Lion Football Club who was elected along with other members of the Fouad Oki-led LSFA board in May 2023, is insisting that the FA will provide security for the competition.

However, Flykite Productions, organisers of the competition, have already made private security arrangement for the event, scheduled for July 7-16 July at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

The organisers insist they have made adequate provisions for the guests, including top company executives.

Gafar reportedly insisted that the Mobolaji Johnson Arena is part of the territory of the LSFA and the association is entitled to provide security all through the competition.

The organisers are now considering moving the event to an alternative venue.

Although Ibadan is thought to be the most likely choice, Asaba and Benin area also on the cards.

The competition may be postponed altogether.

Gafar is said to have declared that he was not bothered if the organisers move the competition from Lagos state — barely three days to the kick-off.