The recently concluded JagabanCup22 held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos brought to the limelight stars who deserve to be celebrated, one of them being Messiah FC’s Akinola Labi whose story and return from injury were touching.
Almost exactly a year ago, the goalkeeper suffered a fractured shoulder that kept him away from the game for about eight months only to make his return at the tournament.
“It’s a thing of joy, a wonderful thing that after the injury I could still stand and do this which had brought memories for me, leaving my beloved sport for months but I’m back and happy,” Labi told Sports247.
“I’ll like to appreciate everyone supporting me from day one, it’s been a wonderful experience. I heard people say things about me from the start of the tournament and I had a fracture that I thought would end my last year,” Labi added.
The goalkeeper who saw his side lose the final 5-4 on penalties was voted the best goalkeeper of the tournament, an award presented by scouts Czech scouts from Slavia Praha, a feat Labi believes has signaled his return.
“I can see that I am back. People didn’t believe we could go this far, I lost confidence but I had to go the extra mile in training coming into this competition and I’m glad to have earned this,” Labi concluded.
