How we secured Goldberg larger sponsorship for Lekki Astro League -Momodu

The President of Lekki Astro Sports Club, Haliru Momodu is a football enthusiastic with more than two decades experience as banker who had passion and skill of staging big football occasion like Lekki Astro League. The Director of Opulentlive speaks on how the league cup will enhance sports development in Lagos State.

How do you feel staging another football fitness league as 2024 Astro League Cup set to begin?
First of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity to discuss the 3rd Edition of the LEKKI Astro League, which is coming up on October 20, 2024. My club and I see this league cup as an annual ritual and a way to reach out to our community, bond, fraternize, and network amongst members and other businesses. I’m really looking forward to this edition, as it promises a lot of exciting developments.

Last season’s edition did not receive as much publicity as this year. Does that indicate the competition is taking another direction?
We faced challenges with planning due to lack of training facilities. Once we secured our current home, we were able to plan more effectively. While last year’s tournament was a great success, as a growth-driven association, we feel it’s essential to give this year’s competition the publicity it deserves, and we promise to do even better in future.

Onyekachi Okonkwo

What challenges and opportunities might arise from having a league exclusively for players aged 35 and above in terms of fostering future sports talent in the country?
Lekki Astro League Cup, designed for players aged 35 and above, brings a fun and social aspect to sports development in the country. While it might shift focus away from younger players, it creates an exciting environment where seasoned athletes can come together for the love of the game. Beyond the competition, it offers a relaxed space for veterans to mentor younger athletes, sharing their experience and knowledge in a more casual setting. Lekki Astro league Cup could also spark renewed interest in sports by showing that staying active and fit is possible at any age. Ultimately, the success of the league will depend on how well it fosters camaraderie and enjoyment while promoting a lifelong commitment to fitness.

The league is called the LEKKI Astro League Cup. Does that mean other parts of Nigeria are not considered?
We do play games outside of Lagos annually, but as a sports club, the league cup is primarily an internal competition. Our members sponsor four different teams, and the tournament is structured in a league format, with the highest points determining the winner. While we may consider hosting teams from other states in the future, for now, it is focused on our community.

Last season, some ex-Super Eagles players participated. Can you explain how league membership is organized?
Yes, we have ex-Super Eagles players like Onyekachi Okonkwo and Ogbonna Kanu among our members, along with some professionals still active in Europe. Participation is strictly for members, with teams owned by them. If anyone is interested in joining us, they are welcome to reach out, and we’ll explain what it takes to become a member (laughs).

The league is commencing with individual sponsorship. What are your targets in securing deals ahead of the 2025 season?
This Edition is being sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc’s through one of its Brand, Goldberg larger. When we refer to individual sponsors, we mean our members who are buying slots to own teams to market their brands, which also promotes their businesses. Companies will sponsor the tournament without owning a team. I believe next year’s edition will be even greater, as this is part of our ongoing efforts.

What makes Lekki an ideal location for hosting the Lekki Astro league cup in 2024?”
Lekki is an ideal location for hosting the league cup in 2024 due to its vibrant sports culture and community engagement. The area is known for its enthusiastic sports fans, which will create an energetic atmosphere during the event. Moreover, Holden Park School, our home ground, offers excellent facilities that are well-suited for sporting events, featuring quality playing fields and necessary amenities for players and fans alike. This familiar setting will help foster a sense of community and support among participants. By hosting the league cup in Holden Park School, we aim to bring together sports enthusiasts, local businesses, and families to celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie. We encourage anyone interested in being part of the cup celebration to join us at Holden Park School or contact us through our website at www.lekkiastrosportsclub.com. All these factors combine to create an exciting and supportive atmosphere for the league cup, making Lekki the perfect choice for this event.