Date: 2017-04-15

The maiden edition of Rasheed Yekini U-13 football competition will kick off on Sat. April 22, in Irra, the home town of the late goal King in Oyun local government area of Kwara State.

The Chairman of the main organising commitee for the competition, Alhaji Wasiu Lawal, told newsmen in Ilorin on Friday that the sale of form has commenced.

Lawal explained that any interested team can contact him in Offa or the office of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, inside the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin for the purchase of form at N5000.

He said the committee agreed after its inaugural meeting on Thursday that only 16 teams will participate in the first edition but it may review the number in subsequent editions.

Lawal added that the final of the competition has been fixed for May 4, a date the late African footballer of the died in Ibadan.

"Because it is the first edition and to have a befitting competition, we have pegged the number of participating teams to 16.

"We are expecting participating teams to register 20 players but teams may bring 25 players for screening, but only 20 will be finally registered.

"We are going to be strict with the age limit, we are dealing with young people here so we will not encourage cheating.

"I am using this medium to appeal to would be participating teams to come or apply for the competition with players in the age bracket.

"Anyone screened out will not be allowed to take part and will not be allowed in where teams are camped" Lawal said.

The Kwara Football Association board member, explained that the sale of form will close by Thurs. April 20 while the screening will take place on Sat. April 22 with opening ceremony and first match scheduled for Sunday, April 23.

Lawal commended the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, for sponsoring the competition and pledged that the committee will do all it can to ensure that the aim of the competition was not defeated.