Determined to make its affiliate clubs compete with the best players in the country, Ibadan Football Association (IFA) has granted Wild Cards to top division club sides willing to feature in the 46th edition of the “Royal Rumble ” Olubadan Cup.
“Wild Card” is an opportunity given to a team to enter into a competition without going through the normal process like paying the Registration Fee.
Barr. Rotimi Alli explained that when players of affiliate clubs of IFA and other Ibadan clubs compete against players from the NNL and Nationwide Leagues like 3SC, CROWN FC, and others from outside the state, it will boost their self-confidence and raise the standard of their game.
Alli who spoke at IFA’s Post-Lockdown Press Conference last Tuesday recalled with nostalgia how a 5-day old IFA selected side (Ibadan Lions) humbled CROWN FC in the 2019 Governor Seyi Makinde Pre-Season Tournament and emerged third place winners, stated that such exposure was vital to develop grassroots soccer.
He said further that the IFA teams stood to gain more because their players’ talents would be exposed to officials and scouts of the top division clubs who may sign such players. This, he added would benefit both teams mutually.
Citing examples, the IFA boss disclosed that Saki Utd and Police Machine players were signed by 3SC as a result of the players ‘ high-grade performance when the teams clashed with 3SC during IFA League 2019.
