16 teams battle for glory as Mechanics Champions League debuts in Lagos

No fewer than 16 teams,in four groups, will from April 21 battle to decide the best team, among sides formed by automobile mechanics, in the maiden Mechanic Champions League sponsored byHyde Energy.

According to the organisers, the seven-week league aims to foster stronger relationships within the mechanic community in Lagos. Unveiling the competition in Lagos, yesterday, Chief Executive Officer, Dimeji Edwards, said the competition is not just about football, but also about celebrating its partners, the mechanics, and showcasing their talent and dedication.

“By bringing mechanics together through sports, we aim to provide them with a memorable experience, shape perceptions, and highlight their important status within the community,” he added.

At the draws supervised by Edwards and the Lagos State chairman of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), MorufEgberongbe, the teams were divided into four groups,with games scheduled for every Sunday starting from April 21, 2024.

The group stage of the league will hold in the first four weeks, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. The knockout rounds will commence on May 19, leading up to the final and third-place game on May 26.

Speaking after the draw, Egberongbe said: “I am grateful to Hyde Energy for their vision and commitment to supporting our technicians. Together, we will raise the bar for professionalism and excellence in the automotive industry.”

He announced that the winner of the league will get N2 million worth of Hyde Energy products, while the first and second runners-up will receive N1.3 million and N700,000 worth of products respectively.

The Most Valuable Player, Golden Boot and Safest Hands winners, as well as the Best Coach will win N250,000 worth of goods each, while the team with the best-designed promo will get products worth N300,000.

Also at the launch was Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, who said that “the Lagos State government is excited with Hyde Energy for putting together this initiative.

“The initiative is fostering collaboration among Hyde Energy, Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), and Lagos State to make the society a better place. We encourage more organisations will emulate this initiative.”