2024 Gothia Cup: Sporting Lagos Academy crowned champions

By Saheed Afolabi

Sporting Lagos Academy stood tall to defeat as they emerged the champions of the 2024 Gothia Cup at the Gamla Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The Lagos-based side crushed FC Tokyo 4-0 in the final to life the prestigious youth tournament which have produced several accomplished stars over the years.

Shola Adegun tutored side showed composure and maturity to dictate play in their search the opener in the early stages of the game.

Bidemi Amole showed his creative skills in setting up Yusuf Abdullahi in the eighth minute to open the floodgate of goals.

Babatunde Akomolede wasn’t going to let FC Tokyo recover fully as he sent in a terrific strike from 30 yards to double Sporting Lagos Academy lead 10 minute later.

The Nigerian young talents were exceptional in dominating possession leaving them with array of chances to convert in the game.

The Lagos youngsters came out blazing high in the second half which say John Lucky pouncing on the ball to extend the lead to 3-0 against FC Tokyo.

Five minutes later, Lucky scored what would eventually seal the win with an emphatic finish to wrap up a trophy laden debut for the Lagos side.

Sporting Lagos scored a total of 15 goals in seven matches and conceded four goals which came in the semifinal nine goal thriller win against Beyond Limits.

Tunde Akomolede was awarded the Most Valuable Player MVP of the 48th edition of the Gothia Cup which has produced several World stars like, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Emmanuel Adebayor, Andrea Pirlo and others.