Manchester United star Ferdinand awarded chieftancy title

LAGOS (AFP) - Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has been awarded a special chieftancy title by the city of Lagos after he set the ball rolling for an annual tournament aimed at discovering fresh talent from the streets.

Ferdinand was given the Fiwagboye of Lagos title by the Oba of Lagos for creating time to visit the former Nigerian capital city during which he kicked off a street soccer tournament to be organised by Lagos State government.

"When Pele visited Nigeria over 30 years ago, I was one of the youngsters who welcomed him and his visit inspired me. We also believe that Ferdinand's visit will do likewise to some other youngsters now," said Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, a Manchester United fan.

Ferdinand spent three days in Lagos as a special guest of the Lagos government who is organising a tournament that will attract several thousands of youngsters from across the state every year.

"I grew up in a tough neigbourhood but for football, I could easily have been lost to drugs or crime," said the Manchester United ace.

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Rio is not just a Chief but he is a good damn CHIEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF!!! by the way he z done more than that recently he did contribute to the Soccer academy in Uganda the guy really deserved the title thats the true Devil Spriit man!!! Gunners please pick a leaf!!
From musokev, on Fri 20 Jun 10:27AM
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....and yet Rio plays for a sexy club ManU" with sexy football too....this Peckham boy is good.
From Legolas, on Fri 13 Jun 2:11PM
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Hey, he is a Peckham boy. He looks better than his brother Anton playing for sad Westham.
From Legolas, on Fri 13 Jun 1:16PM
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Now this is a class story and a very classy young man, who is prepared to do his bit to try to help the poor people of Lagos. Now this is the type of man who does set a good example for the younger ones to follow, he has to be congratulated for the effort he made. Many would have not bothered to go, or if they did go just make a brief appearance and then be on their way again, but Rio stayed for three days to help out.
From Alan K, on Tue 10 Jun 1:21PM
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well if that`s not a benchmark for our future england captain i don`t know what is john terry should be given the dvd of what our chief rio has been doing all hail chief rio he simple is cheif on and of the pitch. for what the chief rio has done in nigeria for football is great but what the most important thing is he has brought new hope to those who have next to or nothing at all VERY PROUD MAN UTD FAN
From mick_jack_007, on Tue 10 Jun 12:29PM
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Hey, interesting comment, and I'm glad to see Rio did indeed make an impact.
Why do you have to root for the Gunners, though? Sigh.....
Just kidding, mate; well on to you, and my team will see your's on the pitch next season!
COME ON UNITED!!!
From United!!, on Tue 10 Jun 8:51AM
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Hey, interesting comment, and I'm glad to see Rio did indeed make an impact.
Why do you have to root for the Gunners, though? Sigh.....
Just kidding, mate; well on to you, and my team will see your's on the pitch next season!
COME ON UNITED!!!
From United!!, on Tue 10 Jun 8:51AM
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Im happy that someone of Rio's quality visited Nigeria and i expect others to immitate him cos this gives hope to young nigerians that they can make it too and do away with drugs and violence. Rio will see that Nigeria is not really a bad country and people like me are still educated to know the right things to do(appreaciate a star). Thanks Rio and i expect the rest of the Red devils soon on summer training in our great country. All hail the chief.The meaning of "fiwagboye" Is someone "using good character to obtain chieftaincy" He derseves it.Sorry, Im a "Gunner"
Fabulouskid( oppiro)
From fabulouskid77, on Mon 9 Jun 8:56PM
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