Changing Challenge Cup Nomenclature to Federation Cup Has Affected It's Glamour Says Dr Ayinla

..Implores Government to Immortalize Rocks Salam

Ilorin based educationist and ardent football follower, Dr Ahmed Jimoh Ayinla has attributed drastic reduction of glamour in the challenge cup football competition to the change of it nomenclature to the federation cup, insisting that hyping, banter, zeal and fun associated with the championship in yesteryears has faded .

Dr Ayinla Jimoh, former Provost of COED, who stressed the importance of private partnership and  collaboration towards revamping the championship noted states FA across the country must not relent in restoring the glory of competition through effective and efficient organization.

Dr Ayinla was a guest at NTA Ilorin Sports zone on Wednesday where he lamented poor publicity and in adequate incentives for the participating teams as another factor responsible for decline of interest from the stakeholders in staging a befitting one of the nation's oldest football competitions.

"Challenge Cup in those days was a tug  of war between famous and under dog teams. It was an avenue for players and teams to show case their skills and talents, the likes of Aliu Salam Rocks, Enugun Rangers, IIC, Stationary stores were the product of challenge cup"

" I also called on the state government to immortalize Aliu Salam Rocks by naming a section of the stadium in his memory as his milestones in the development of football in Kwara is still a reference point"

While commending the state Government under the visionary leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for changing the narrative in the state's sports sector, particularly in the areas of improved infrastructure, athletes welfare, he called on the government to decentralize sports administration by incorporating qualified stakeholders like Alhaji Jaji and other ex players to further enhance strengthen the performance and administration of the sector.