The maiden edition of the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup 2024, organized by the Lagos State Football Association, concluded successfully on Sunday, ending in a blaze of glory at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
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In the final match, FC Nwosu defeated FC Ekpo in a thrilling 6-5 penalty shootout after a goalless ninety minutes of regulation time to emerge winners of the giant trophy and the princely sum of N2 million.
Once again, as he did in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, FC Nwosu goalkeeper Samuel Oriola was his team’s hero as he saved two penalties to gift his team the trophy.
And in their unique and refreshing style, the organizers made a resounding and unprecedented statement by ensuring that the winners received their cash prizes of N2m, N1m, N500,000 and N250,000, for the first to fourth place teams respectively, just hours after the games concluded, much to the delight of the winners, who were pleasantly surprised as they expressed untold gratitude and appreciation to the organizers.
The President of the Lagos Football Association, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, was elated and thanked God and everyone who made the tournament a success. Gafar remarked with glee that the tournament has set an enviable benchmark for football organization in the country, which is synonymous with Lagos State as a center of excellence.
While we acknowledge the support 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 support of LSFA board members, stakeholders, associates and potential partners, next year’s edition will be bigger and better.
Hon. Kunle Soname, CEO/President of Bet9ja and Value jet, who was obviously impressed by the level of play and the level of organization of the tournament, promised to provide better support to the tournament in the next edition.
The final of the tournament, which was thrilling, entertaining, glitzy and glamorous, was attended by the cream of Nigerian football including Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation; Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, Second Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation; NFF; George Aluo, president of the NNL; Alhaji Inuwa Ahlan, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, President of Ogun State Football Association; Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, President of Ondo State Football Association.
Among others, they include Honourable Olalekan Fatodu, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications; Prince Dapo Ajibade, Mutiu Adepoju, NFF; Coach Ladan Bosso.
As well as the Presidents of Edo State FAs, Anambra, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kano, Abia, Enugu and Plateau respectively.
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