The maiden edition of the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup 2024, organised by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), was successfully concluded Sunday, as it ended in a blaze of glory at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
In the final match, FC Nwosu defeated FC Ekpo, in a nail-biting penalty kicks of 6-5 after playing out a goalless 90 minutes in regulation time, to emerge winners of the giant trophy and the princely sum of N2 million.
Once again, like he did in the quater-finals and semi-finals respectively, goalkeeper Samuel Oriola of FC Nwosu, was the hero for his side as he saved two penalty kicks to gift his team the trophy.
And in its unique and refreshing style, the organisers made a resounding and unprecedented statement by ensuring that the winners received their prize monies of N2m, N1m, N500,000 and N250,000, for the first to the fourth placed teams respectively, just few hours after the conclusion of the games, to the delight of the winners, who were pleasantly surprised, as they expressed untold gratitude and appreciation to the organisers.
An elated LSFA boss, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, was thankful to God and everyone who made the tournament a success. Gafar remarked gleefully, that the tournament has set an enviable benchmark for football organisation in the country, which is synonymous with the Lagos State, as the centre of excellence.
While acknowledging the supports and partnership of Bet9ja, Mavlon Football Club, Owu Sportswear, Brila Fm, Sola Akinlade of Sporting Lagos, Liigi League, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu.
He added that with the able supports of the LSFA board members, stakeholders, associates and potential partners, next year’s edition shall be better and bigger.
Hon. Kunle Soname, CEO/ President of Bet9ja and Value jet, who was obviously impressed by the standard of play and the level of organisation of the tournament, promised to give better support to the tournament in the next edition.
The final of the tournament which was, exciting, entertaining, glitzy and glamorous, was witnessed by the creme de la creme of Nigeria football, included Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, 1st Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation; Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, 2nd Vice-President of NFF; George Aluo, Chairman of NNL; Alhaji Inuwa Ahlan, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Chairman Ogun State FA; Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Chairman Ondo State FA.
Others include Hon. Olalekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Prince Dapo Ajibade, Mutiu Adepoju, Coach Ladan Bosso, as well as States FA Chairmen of Edo, Anambra, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kano, Abia, Enugu and Plateau, respectively.
