The best of Nigerian football will be on display from today at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. The event is the Naija Super Eight Championship, which offers as much as N25 million to eventual champions.

Among the contestants are Nigeria’s league champions, Enyimba of Aba, runners up, Remo Stars, Rivers United, Lobi Stars, Akwa United, Yobe Desert Stars, Sporting Lagos and Katsina United.

The opening game today features Enyimba against Remo Stars. Kick off time is 4.30 p.m.
According to the organisers, each club at the tournament will earn N3 million per match at the group stage, with semifinalists getting an additional N3 million, while the runners-up and winners will earn N9 million and N25 million respectively.

Football fans, who may not be able to get to the MJA, have opportunity to watch the games live on SuperSport Football (DStv 205 & GOtv ch 61).

The organisers, Flykite Productions, said the 10-day tournament would feature 15 matches and live music performances by Afrobeats artistes.

On the side attractions at the competition, Chief Executive Officer of Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona, said Naija Super Eight finals would be a carnival of music and football.

He said: “The play-off at the Eket Township Stadium has given us snippets of what to expect at the Lagos finals. We are in for 10 days of spectacular football displays from Naija Super Eight teams.

“We are also making this tournament a carnival of football and music for the fans. An afrobeats artiste has been scheduled to perform live on each matchday. At the same time, fans will also be able to refresh themselves at different refreshments stands around the stadium, courtesy of our sponsors, Pepsi and Hero Lager,” Alumona said.

Set to perform at the opening match is the popular Zazuu crooner, Portable. Other artistes scheduled to perform at the tournament include 9ice, Daddy Showkey, Lil Kesh, Pheelz, Bella Shmurda, Peruzzi and Crayon.