Ibadan Soccer Fans React As LMC Okays Night Football At Refurbished Lekan Salami Sports Complex

 

Ibadan Soccer Fans React As LMC Okays Night Football At Refurbished Lekan Salami Sports Complex

Seyi Akanni

Scores of football fans have been tongue lashing Oyo State government for proposing the return of night kickoff for the state's premiership side, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), also known as Oluyole Warriors.

According to a letter dated February 23, 2022 which was endorsed by Salisu Abubakar, COO, LMC Ltd. and addressed to the Secretary, Oyo State Football Association,  the league organising body, said it gave its nod to the request after due considerations.

"After due considerations, the LMC hereby grants Shooting Stars approval for their home matches to be played at 7.00pm, with effect from Matchday 16 game number 158 3SC v Enugu Rangers", read the part of the letter.

As part of measures to ensure hitch free games, the management of 3SC, has fixed the sales of match tickets for each game between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

According to the new arrangement, fans who fail to buy their tickets within the stipulated time, should stay at home as all gates leading to the arena will be shut at exactly 5.30pm.

The latest arrangements didn't go down well with numerous 3SC followers. 

While one ardent follower bemused the hike in ticket prices, some condemned the idea of night kickoff citing security reasons.

"That's not a good idea, if the Gate is closed by 5:30 and match end by 9pm that is three and half hour inside the stadium, ha ... The gate should be closed immediately after the game starts instead." A fan tweeted.

According to another fan named 'Special', "They should just cancel it please.

We’ll be watching our match in day light. 

I’ve my job and I can’t abandon it for up to 4hrs because I want to watch match. 

At least I can leave home by that 5:30pm, 

I’ll go there an hour before and I’ll struggle to get the yeye ticket". He concluded.

Elmer K., opined, "Maybe' it is good if fans come out to cheer the team. The policy should be how to retain the fans and how to create viewing centres across Oyo state for others to watch who can't go to the stadium".

"Why the sudden increment in gate takings?

From 100 to 200 and to 500 again within 3 month's.

"Secondly why are they fixing our games at night at this crucial time, we play for daylight self we dey struggle to win and you are putting a fixtures with our old rival under floodlight.. It is well".

"Exactly! The major problem is the time lag between movement restrictions and match commencement is too much. A larger proportions of the fans are businessmen and you can't tie them down unproductively.

"From my deductions, non-residential fans in Ibadan are not factored in before enacting this unpopular decision. They assumed only residential fans come to Stadium. What a myopic reasoning." A long time supporter noted.

It's yet to be seen if the concerned authorities will bend to the yearning of these supporters. As it is, though the timing may not be favourable, fans will still have to adjust in order to keep supporting their football team. Lagos and Benin are two centres where night kickoff is prevalent.