New date for Shell Cup play-off

Niyi Alebiosu, Lagos - 20.03.2008

A new date has been fixed for the twice- postponed zonal play-off of the All Nigeria Secondary School Football Competition, Shell Cup, organised by the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF).

The play-off earlier fixed for March 18 and 24 will now hold from March 21 to 26 at the following centres; Katsina, Kano, Calabar, Makurdi, Taraba, Kaduna and Oyo.

A statement signed by Andrew Kadewa, chairman NSSF Shell Cup Organising Committee, revealed that quarter-finals of the competition would hold from March 28 to 30 at yet-to-be fixed venues while the semi final and final would hold at the National Stadium, Abuja, between April 6 and 13 and with instructions to all qualifiers to arrive at the venue on April 3.

Explaining the rationale behind the postponement, Kadede said that it was as a result of the just-concluded National School Sports Festival in Lagos. He explained that many school sports officers and national executive officers that would coordinate the events were in Lagos for the festival and it would be difficult for them to leave Lagos on March 18 and hold such competition the same day.

He believes that with the new date, the officials involved will have ample opportunity to prepare and have a hitch-free play off and quarter final matches as well.