The Lagos State Government has established over 20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Live Viewing Centres in a bid to use sports as a means to foster unity and community among residents.
In a statement, the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), said the initiative is tagged ‘#LagosIsAGoal’ and aims to offer a conducive platform for residents to watch live matches of the ongoing 34th African Cup of Nation in Ivory Coast, which kicked off on Saturday, 13th January 2024.
The 20 designated viewing centres are spread across Surulere, Lagos Island, Yaba, Epe, Oworonshoki, Badagry, Ketu, Ajegunle, Alimosho, Agbado-Oke Odo, Ojo, Festac, Ijegun, Agege, Mushin, Ikorodu, Ojokoro, Abesan, Igbobi-Sabe, and Lekki.
Since the first game on Saturday between Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau, these venues have experienced significant turnouts.
Egbulefu Ugochukwu, a viewer at the Surulere Centre, praised the State Government for creating the AFCON Live Viewing Centres.
“It is a good idea to bring people together to enjoy the AFCON. Most people can be in their homes enjoying it, but it is more enjoyable when you join others during the games. You also share ideas and gain more knowledge about the teams and players,” he said.