A clash of two former number 10 players of the Super Eagles is on the cards at this Sunday’s final of the maiden Nigeria Ex-internationals Cup in Lagos.
The historic competition in honour of former national team players will hit a climax at Legacy Pitch of Lagos National Stadium, Surulere, with Friday Ekpo FC taking on Henry Nwosu FC.
This comes after Ekpo’s side got the better of Victor Okechukwu Agali’s team with a 2-0 spanking, thereby paving the way for them to feature in the ultimate game of the unprecedented competition organised by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA).
Casting a look ahead of Sunday’s potentially exciting game, Ekpo admitted it is a rare privilege for him and his players, even as he thanked God and the organisers for making the competition possible.
Ekpo eulogised and projected at the same time, saying: “First and foremost, I want to thank God for the success of my team and to the organisers for remembering we ex-internationals.
“I thank them for presenting a cup named after ex-internationals. I am also happy that we all came out and we didn’t disappoint them in their plans.
“We all came out to play, and you can see that it was a fair game. I really enjoyed it, and I hope they will keep it up.”
The former velvety midfielder, who starred in Gabon and Greece during his playing days, admitted that the competition has not been a bed of roses but enthused that Sunday’s final will be a befitting end to all their effort.
“The journey so far has not been easy,” added Ekpo, who was outstanding in Nigeria’s bronze winning squad at Senegal ’92 Africa Cup of Nations.
“It has been rough and tough, day in-day out; but we need to keep our focus on the game. Let’s keep playing and aim for what we want to achieve.
“As you win, you advance and adopt another strategy on what to do and what not to do in the next game.
“We thank God for today, and we will come for the final on Sunday with high hope.”
Ekpo concluded with his expectations from Sunday’s final, saying: “It’s going to be a very tough game and the better side will carry the day.
“Sunday’s final will be a case of Super Eagles’ former number 10 against number 10. It’s going to be an exciting game.
“People will laugh, flash their teeth, get excited, yell when goals are missed and generally have fun. Above all, we want to see good football exhibited on that particular day.”
Officials of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) have also promised adequate security, lots of side attractions and all-round fun, with many top players, personalities, and administrators expected in attendance.
