The maiden edition of the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup 2024, organised by Lagos State Football Association, was successfully concluded Sunday, as it ended in a blaze of glory at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
In the final match, FC Nwosu defeated FC Ekpo, in a nail-biting penalty kicks of 6-5 after playing out a goalless ninety minutes in regulations time, to emerge winners of the giant trophy and the princely sum of N2 million.
Once again, like he did in the quarterfinals and semi-finals, 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 Lagos FA 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.
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.