It was an exciting moment for the residents of Magodo estate Southwest zone in Lagos last Saturday 17 July, 2021 as they came out to exercise their sporting prowess in a novelty football match which was thrilled with stream of passion and glamour displayed by the participants in grandeur fashion.
The match between residents ended in basket of goals 4-4, played at Supreme school sport ground under a sun friendly weather condition that welcomed the presence of families to cheer up their favorite football team. Although the ambience in the stadium was not filled with cacophony of sounds but the voices of children were audible.
The tempo of match was lightly energetic to capture the beauty of being a friendly one which resulted in 1-1 draw in the first stanza while the second stanza witnessed football artistries which produced six goals from both team, totaling eight goals in the full match which ended 4-4.
Both teams were clustered with youths who were clad with orange and yellow bees.
Conversely, the female gender were not left behind in engaging in footballing action which was just to pass the ball to each other and it ended in exciting way.
At the end of the match of both in the male and female categories, each participant received medal as token for participation. Also, mouths of spectators were busy with chops and drink served for refreshment.
Speaking with the estate’s vice president Mr. Gbengba Adebayo who played as a goal keeper, he said the novelty match was aimed at strengthen the communal unity among the residents.
“The essence of the novelty match is for us to get together and be able to associate together and know ourselves better. All work without play makes jack a dull boy as the saying goes that why we get together annually to play together, be together and eat together for us to be able to know each other very well.
“The impart is that it has made us to be more united, know each other better and exercise our bodies. There is no point going out every day without exercising the soul and the body and the essence of this is for us to come together and do it communally.” He said.
Likewise, the estate’s social director Mrs. Esther Oboth said the novelty football match was organized to complement the ‘Know Your Neighbor’ campaign in the estate.
“We organized the football match for collaboration between residents. There is a campaign going on in the estate, “know your neighbor” campaign and I believe football match is a way to know each other. It engenders unity more.” She said.
Speaking on the health benefit of sport, a medical doctor Dr. Biu Usani who is the estate’s coach explained that football is a total sport that enhances the mental and physical area of human being, adding that the football match played was interesting.
“It involves every part of your body. It is a physical, mental and a spiritual game. So whenever you engage in football performance, it helps you in everywhere. It enhances your mental performance, your physical performance and longevity. You have to be consistent in your training to reap the benefit of exercise.
“I will advise that it is something we do it on a regular. Under normal circumstances, exercise is a medicine, sleep is medicine. So when you do all of this thing and you incorporate them into your lifestyle, it help a better life and enhance your performance regardless of the fact that you live in stressful environment like Lagos.” He said.
Speaking with one of the player Patrick Solanke who scored a goal during the match, he said the match made him feel athletic again.
“It was very nice and very entertaining; I got to meet with a lot of people. It got me engaged in the aspect of football. It makes me feel athletic again. I came today to play a very good match and that is what it turned out to be. I am presently working my dream to become a professional footballer.” He said.
Likewise one of the female players Mrs. Abimbola Osoba said sport helps to create bond, adding that it is part of the social life of man.
She advised that there should be a session for the children in the subsequent edition.
“It is exciting, I have never really played football expect for just kicking around the ball. It was fun. Initially I didn’t wanted to it, when I got on the field and kicked it, it was nice, it gave me a good feeling
“It brings the community together, meet more people that live around you. Yes friendliness community, camaraderie and everything.
“It helps knows the value of sports and how sports affect our general life. It brings families together. Sport is important, it helps your body, exercise your mind, spirit and you meet a lot of people. I totally support that we should have the children session, they are welcome because sport is a universal language and it everyone together all the time.” She said.