A Lagos-based businessman offers N5m prize in football challenge following banter

After banter questioning the quality of his football team, Suraj Oyewale, a businessman in Lagos, decided to organize a football match with his X (formerly Twitter) followers.

Recently, Oyewale participated in a football game arranged by Dynasty Africa, a marketing agency, between Instagram and X influencers. The match ended 5-4 in favor of the X team.

Known as Sir J (J9), Oyewale is a football enthusiast and player. He mentioned on his verified handle that the purpose of organizing the match was to showcase his football skills despite his age and prove that a team cannot be hastily set up to defeat his side without proper training.

He emphasized that the team competing against him should not be composed of professional footballers but rather carefully chosen players and individuals who are connected with him on the X platform.

In his words, “If you beat my team of ‘carpenters and electricians,’ you win N5 million. Let’s settle the debate on who the true football champions are.”

He outlined the challenge: form a team from Twitter excluding imported players, set a date and field, and play against his team. If the challenger wins, N5 million goes to them; otherwise, the money is returned. A draw results in a N1 million prize.

The match between Jarus Plumbers FC and Jarus Twitter Mutuals FC, coordinated by Michael Oyiga, is scheduled for 3 pm on Saturday, April 27, at Campos Stadium, Lagos Island. Spectators are welcome.

When asked about the N5 million prize, Oyewole confirmed his commitment: “I have sent the money and await their team, which must comprise professional footballers.”

Despite admitting his team’s vulnerability, having lost twice at home, Oyewole remains confident in their abilities. He doubts a hastily assembled team without training can defeat them.

Oyewole, a First-Class Accounting graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University, is the founder of Jarus Homes and Jarus FC. He has authored books on various topics and enjoys playing football regularly, often engaging with his followers on his performance.