Naija Super 8: Organisers Deny Plans to Move Tourney From Lagos

• Naija Super 8 will kick off as scheduled at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos
• Tournament organisers have debunked rumours that the much anticipated tourney has been moved away from the Centre of Excellence
• Naija Super 8 begins on Friday with an explosive encounter between Enyimba International and Remo Stars

Flykite Productions, organisers of Naija Super 8, have dismissed reports of harbouring a plan to move the tournament out of Lagos.

There were media reports on Tuesday that the competition, which is due to start on Friday and end on July 16, could be moved over a disagreement between the organisers and Lagos State Football Association Vice Chairman, Alhaji Olawale Gafar, over the latter's alleged insistence that the association must provide security during the tournament.

In a statement issued late on Tuesday, Flykite Productions said there was no plan to move the competition away from Lagos, adding that it has enjoyed the LSFA's support, which has assured it will do everything possible to make the competition a success.

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Boxing

Jenkins Alumona, CEO of Flykite, said in a statement made available to Sports Brief:

"We have had support from many football bodies, notably the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the national leagues, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association and, of course, the LSFA.

"The LSFA is the host association and it has offered advice on various fronts since it became aware of Naija Super 8.

"The LSFA has acted like a partner and stakeholder, which it is, and we have no reason to want to move away from where we have been given support, including vital counselling."

Naija Super 8 begins on Friday with an explosive encounter between Enyimba International, the newly-minted Nigeria Professional Football League champions, and runners-up Remo Stars of Ikenne at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

Akwa United, Sporting Lagos emerge wildcards

Sports Brief earlier reported that Akwa United and Sporting Lagos have been named wildcards for the Naija Super 8 finals, to be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from July 7-16.

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Athletics

The two wildcard entrants were announced during the Naija Super 8 draws, broadcast live on SuperSport on Wednesday night.

The draws were conducted by Super Eagles legend Victor Ikpeba and scorer of the best goal at the just-concluded Naija Super 8 play-offs, Okon Ini-Obong.