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FC Nwosu edges FC Ekpo to emerge champions of inaugural Ex-Internationals Cup
By Wale Mustapha
It was thrilling and spectacular outing on Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan in Lagos State as the curtain was drawn for the maiden Ex Internationals Cup.
The competition organized by the Lagos State Football Association in a bid to bring former Nigeria football stars together and tap from their experiences to nurture the young players into stardom.
The final was decided between FC Nwosu and FC Ekpo which the former won 6-5 on penalties after both team could not separate each other in normal time.
FC Nwosu who are led by former Nigerian left back, Henry Nwosu were rewarded with a 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.
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