Chukwudi Godfrey Okosa, captain of SGFC Athletics Sports Club, led his team to a memorable triumph in the Jagaban Cup 2025 by converting the decisive penalty kick in the final against 36 Lions FC.
In an interview with Sports247, the young captain reflected on the significance of the win and his journey from an underrated state to the national stage.
READ ALSO: Coach Elegbede: “We Held Our Nerve” as SGFC Emerge Winners of Jagaban Cup 2025
Speaking about the victory, Okosa said, “It means a lot to me because we are coming from a very underrated state. We were not even supposed to be here. People underrated us, but we thank God for bringing us this far. If we keep on getting invites to Lagos, we will do even better.”
Having traveled from Ilorin to Lagos, Okosa described the preparation for facing a formidable opponent far from their home ground.
“We were very confident coming into this final game, especially as we were unbeaten in our group. We had our own game plan, and we played it, and it came out well.”
When asked about the tension before taking the final penalty, Okosa remained unfazed, explaining,
“I’m a penalty specialist. This isn’t the first time I’ve been the last taker. I have a record of 43 penalties converted, so it’s not pressure for me. My only pressure was for them to miss, and by the grace of God, it worked out.”
Okosa acknowledged that a miss could have changed the atmosphere dramatically, but his confidence prevailed.
“If I had missed, it would have been a different ballgame entirely, with a 50-50 chance. But we still give glory to God, as everything happens for a reason.”
Looking forward, the captain shared his aspirations, “I plan to play at the highest level. Coming from Africa as a young footballer is not easy, but I believe in the power of God. I’m going to play professionally, and I will play for my country, Nigeria.”
With this win, SGFC not only lifted the Jagaban Cup 2025 but also set a strong foundation for future competitions, as Okosa and his teammates aim to build on this success with determination and faith.
