Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday received the UEFA Champions League trophy alongside its ambassador and former Barcelona captain, Carles Puyol, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
Puyol, a three-time Champions League winner is in Nigeria on a three-day visit to lead the UEFA Champions League Tour, connecting with consumers and football lovers.
Ambode, who was represented by the Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Kweku Tandoh, also received Nigerian football legend, Jay Jay Okocha, who was part of the delegation.
Speaking while receiving the trophy, Ambode expressed excitement that the organisers of the tour considered Lagos as one of the states to visit, adding that the development was particularly gratifying more so that the synergy between sports and entertainment as well as tourism had been massively played up in the last four years.
The Governor also lauded the contribution of Puyol and Okocha to the development of football in Nigeria and worldwide, saying they deserved to be appreciated and celebrated.
“We are pleased to also welcome Barcelona FC and Champions League legend, Carles Puyol to Lagos, as well as our legend, Jay Jay Okocha to Lagos House. Many of us underrate this legend that we have and just yesterday, I understand Puyol had a very difficult time on the field of play in Uyo when Jay Jay had to give him a few tricks.
“Unfortunately, Jay Jay did not get to play for Barcelona; he would have lifted the Champions League but I must say we appreciate what Okocha has done for Nigerian football. If you have a player that is sometimes compared to Messi, Maradona and spoken about in the same breath, then we know we have a star in our midst and so I like to thank Jay Jay for his contribution to football,” Ambode said.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries Plc, organisers of the Trophy Tour, Jordi Bel, thanked Ambode for warmly receiving the team.
He said as part of the tour, there would be a road show from Maryland Bus Stop to Ikeja City Mall, among other activities.
