The Student Union has indicated plans to review the cash prize allotted for the winners of the Inter-hall football competition.
On Friday, 24th September, the final fixture of the Inter-hall football competition will hold featuring Zik Hall against Bello Hall in the male category, and Awo Hall versus Idia Hall in the female category. However, issues have arisen concerning the indicated cash prizes for winners.
The SU had published in its e-flyer, cash prizes to the tune of 20,000 and 15,000 naira for first and second place respectively, in both categories. While the tournament has received positive comments and large fan support, the indicated cash prize has been viewed as incommensurate to the efforts of the winning teams.
Commenting on the subject, Kester, Zik hall’s head coach termed the amount as ridiculous, falling below the bar in comparison to previous editions. In his words,
“It’s a ridiculous amount. The only compensation is that we’re playing for the honour and pride. So we won’t let the prize money get in the way of the goals we’ve set to achieve.”
In comparison to previous editions, he lamented a fall below the bar in rewarding team effort in the Inter-hall football competition.
“I’ve spent over 6 years in this school and this is the first time I’m seeing something of the sort; an inter-hall football competition prize money being this ridiculous. The prize money has always been between the range of 100-150k.”
However, this tone of displeasure may have to change as the Student Union organizing body of the tournament has indicated plans to review the prize money. Speaking with Sola Sport, the head organizer of the Inter-hall football competition, he gave clarifications as to the reasons for the 20,000 maximum prize money. He explained that since the reinstatement of the Student Union which features the absence of a Sport Secretary in the incumbent administration, organizing sporting events on campus has had its glitches which the Union has had to grapple with.
In spite of the situation, the administration was able to secure funds to the tune of 100,000 naira. 70,000 of the amount was budgeted as cash prize while the rest was invested into organizing the competition. Sola Sport also pointed out the efforts of the organizers in making available medals, trophies and individual awards for the successful teams. As such, opinions of dissatisfaction with the organization should be reconsidered.
In a new turn of events, the SU has however made known its plans to review the prize money. Sola Sport while emphasizing that the aim of the tournament is not exactly winning cash prizes but for the pride of the competition, honour and love for the game, has confirmed that the prize money will be reviewed upwards and new amounts will be specified on Wednesday, 22nd September. In light of this, the final matches on Friday will be greeted with greater anticipation.
The reviewed prize money by the organizers will be duly reported.
