The inaugural edition of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup, organized by the Lagos State Football Association, has been a nostalgic and thrilling journey for football fans.
The tournament features former Nigeria international players acting as coaches and mentors to their adopted teams, rekindling memories of their illustrious playing days.
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The road to the quarter-finals has been marked by intense and challenging matches, played on various community playgrounds across the state.
These grounds, often sandy and uneven, have added an extra layer of difficulty to the competition.
Highlights from the Rounds of 32 and 16
Ifeanyi Udeze vs. Friday Elahor: Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze’s team triumphed over the team mentored by former Nigeria winger Friday Elahor in a highly anticipated defender-versus-attacker clash.
Joseph Dosu vs. Victor Agali: In another thrilling encounter, Victor Agali’s team overcame a first-leg home defeat (2-3) to win the return leg 2-0 against Joseph Dosu’s side, which featured former Golden Eaglets stars Haruna Lukman and Ramon Azeez.
Mba Agbai vs. Taiwo Oloyede: Mba Agbai’s team defeated his former captain Taiwo Oloyede’s team 3-0 on aggregate to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Henry Nwosu vs. Fatai Amoo: This clash between two legendary ex-internationals was one of the toughest in the tournament. Fatai Amoo’s team came back from two goals down to force a penalty shootout, eventually losing 9-8 to Henry Nwosu’s team, which featured Benin Republic internationals Samson Akinyoola and Yusuf Olaitan.
Nduka Ugbade vs. Michael Dominic: Coach Nduka Ugbade showcased his tactical prowess as his team edged out Michael Dominic’s boys with a 1-0 aggregate win to advance to the quarter-finals.
Quarter-finalists
The teams that have made it to the quarter-finals include:
– FC Agbai
– FC Agali
– FC Ekpo
– FC Ugbade
– FC Nwosu
The remaining quarter-final spots will be determined by the winners of the following matches:
FC Ikpeba vs. FC Ipaye
FC Okpara vs. FC Udeze
FC Ayila vs. FC Obafemi
Upcoming Matches
The quarter-final matches are scheduled to be played at Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Legacy Pitch in Surulere on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Sponsors and Partners
The Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup is proudly supported by Bet9ja, a leading gaming company. Other partners include Owu (a prominent sportswear company), Brila FM, Mavlon FC, Mr. Olusola Akinlade, Liigi League, Olafiranye Sports Foundation, and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu.
The tournament continues to captivate football fans, offering a blend of nostalgia and competitive spirit as former stars mentor the next generation of talent.
