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By Monica Iheakam
Ex junior international, Monday Odiaka over the weekend led Ajegunle Heroes to win the maiden edition of the ‘Above 50’ football tournament.
The tournament held at the Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere attracted a galaxy of great Nigerian players like Henry Nwosu, Tajudeen Disu, Jonathan Akpoborie, Awala Jumbo, and Friday Expo amongst others.
Coached by another ex-international, Peter Nieketien, Ajegunle Heroes made short work of the finals match against Abeokuta Rock FC, beating the visiting team 3-0 to clinch the trophy and N5 million prize money at stake.
As first runner’s -up, Abeokuta FC went home with the sum of N2 million and silver medals, while the tournament Fair play trophy went to Ikea team.
In the third place match played earlier, Surulere FC, which paraded notable ex-internationals; Friday Ekpo, Sunday Ilevbare, and Godwin Opara were not lucky as Team Alimosho defeated them after playing 1-1 in regulation time. Alimosho won 4-3 from the penalty kicks to pocket the N1million prize money.
“This is the first edition and we are happy that Ajegunle, the home of Football in Nigeria has shown it to the world that when you talk about footballers in Nigeria, you talk about Ajegunle,” Odiaka said.
Meanwhile sponsor/ initiator of the championship, Ambassador Dr. Edward Olutoke has expressed joy at the level of attendance and the number of ex- internationals and former national team players that are participating in the tournament.
He explained that the idea behind the competition was to enable old players network, exercise themselves and show the young ones that they can still play football.
Olutoke, who is the President of Ikeja Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture, promised that the championship will be sustained just as he commended the players and officials for the discipline displayed during the preliminaries urging them to replicate it in the finals.
In his own remarks, Chairman of the LOC, Dr. Rafiu OLadipo expressed joy that there was no reported case of injury pledging that his committee will ensure fair play at the finals.
