A total of 10 African universities would be participating in the maiden edition of the Africa Students Football Union (ASFU) Invitational Championship to be hosted in Nigeria this weekend.

Prof. Seun Omotayo, President of ASFU, told newsmen on Monday in Lagos that three universities from other African countries have indicated readiness to participate in the championship which opens simultaneously in Ibadan and Ijebu Ode on Saturday.

These are University of Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana, Kenyatta University, Kenya and University of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo.

Omotayo said that the Nigerian representatives at the championship are Lagos State University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Edo State University, and Tai Solarin University of Education (TAISWED), Ijebu Ode.

Also speaking, ASFU Executive Secretary, Femi Abioye, said that the 10 participating teams had been drawn in two groups for the championship.

In Group A are Tai Solarin University of Education (TAISWED), Edo University, Kenyatta University, Kenya, Lagos State University and University of Lagos will play at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

For Group B University of Ibadan (UI), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Joseph Ayo Babablola (JABU),University of Development Studies, Telema, Ghana and National University, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Participating teams in Group A will be hosted at Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode while Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan will host teams in Group B.

Abioye said that teams are expected to arrive on Friday.

“Teams are expected to arrive in the various centres on Jan. 18, matches will be played from Jan. 19 to Jan. 25. The semi-final matches will be played at the Agege Stadium on Jan. 26, while the third place and final will also take place at Agege on Jan. 27,’’ he said.

Omotayo said that the ASFU championship was aimed at breeding African student football champions who could compete with their counterparts at the World Students Football League (WSFL).

“ASFU is indeed unique as it is the first Pan Africa Students Football Union in Africa. The main objective of ASFU is to use the prism of football to provide, growth and development.”

“The objective is to give opportunities for students with football skills to use their skills and talent to secure livelihood by being gainfully employed in the world of professional football”.

“ASFU provides opportunity to combine education and football and secure a future after retiring. Major among the benefits are the scholarship opportunities and enhanced chances of breaking into the world of professional football,’’ he said. (NAN)