Third edition of the Victor Ikpeba Five-A-Side Football Challenge concluded on Monday in
Lagos, leaving players and officials of the participating teams with smiles on their faces and money in their pockets.
The 2023 edition featured eight teams, with Segun Ijitola Football Club of Surulere emerging as the new champions of the competition held at its traditional venue, Obele Odan Community Centre, Fujah, Surulere.
Dubbed ‘Appreciation,’ the 2023 edition was organized by Victor Ikpeba, the sponsor and
renowned African Footballer of the Year in 1997. Ikpeba expressed his gratitude to Nigeria
for providing him with the opportunity to become a world-class soccer star and hosted the
tournament as a token of his appreciation.
In the final match, which took place on June 12, coinciding with Ikpeba’s birthday, FC Segun Ijitola triumphed over Chidi Chukwuka FC with a 2-0 victory, securing the Gold Cup and a cash prize of N200,000. Ikechukwu opened the scoring for FC Segun Ijitola, capitalizing on a defensive error by the opposing team in the first half.
In the second half, Dewunmi Omolaja extended their lead to 2-0 after receiving a pass from his teammate, Qudus, with only five minutes remaining in the game. Chidi Chukwuka FC claimed the runner-up position and received a cash prize of N100,000 from Victor Ikpeba, along with a trophy and silver medals.
In the losers’ final, Idris FC of Surulere secured third place by defeating Lukmon FC 1-0. Idris FC was awarded a cash prize of N70,000, a trophy, and bronze medals for their
commendable performance.
At conclusion of the tournament, Ikpeba expressed his intentions behind organizing the
event, stating that it was his way of giving back to society. He emphasized his own humble beginnings, having grown up playing street football before rising to the national team.
This marked the third year of the competition in Lagos and Warri, Delta State. Notably, the Victor Ikpeba Football Challenge in Warri focuses on U-17 players and is scheduled to take place in December later this year.
