Spires 5Aside Media Parley & Draws Sets Stage for Season 2 State Championship
By Victor Ottah

Lagos, Nigeria – October 18, 2025 – The stage is officially set for the highly anticipated Season 2 of the Spires 5Aside State Championship, following a successful media parley and official draws ceremony held at the CIBN House in Lagos.

The event brought together key stakeholders across the Lagos football ecosystem, including players, coaches, representatives from the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) led by Mr. Dotun Coker, officials from divisional football associations in Lagos Island and Ikorodu, as well as delegates from the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).

A total of 16 qualified teams from five divisions across Lagos State were drawn into four competitive groups, signaling the beginning of tactical preparations as teams vie for the prestigious title of Spires 5Aside State Champions.

Adding color to the day’s proceedings was the official unveiling of the home and away jerseys for all 16 teams. The move reflects Spires’ commitment to professionalism and excellence as preparations intensify ahead of the tournament’s commencement on October 26, 2025, at the Stables Sports Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere.

Dr. Alibay Bankole, Convener and CEO of the Spires 5Aside brand, emphasized the brand’s overarching mission of youth development through football. Speaking at the event, he stated:

> “This initiative is about more than football. It is a platform to discover, nurture, and elevate young talent in Nigeria. With local and international scouts set to monitor the tournament, Spires is creating real pathways for youth advancement.”

In line with this vision, Dr. Bankole also announced the introduction of a five-day tech seminar as part of the tournament’s schedule. The Tech Week will offer players exposure to emerging digital skills including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and coding, empowering them with knowledge that transcends the football pitch.

> “We want to prepare these young talents not just for football, but for life beyond it. The inclusion of tech-focused empowerment reflects our belief in holistic development,” Dr. Bankole added.

The Spires 5Aside State Championship Season 2 promises to deliver not only top-tier grassroots football action but also a blueprint for integrated youth empowerment through sports and technology.

As the countdown begins, fans, scouts, and stakeholders are invited to witness the emergence of the next generation of football stars—on and off the field.