Former Super Eagles striker and 1995 African Footballer of The Year, Victor Ikpeba was the main attraction on Saturday, as he motivated several youngsters at the second edition of LAB Memorial Football Carnival.
Read Also: Tobi Amusan Clinches Third Consecutive Diamond League Women’s 100m Hurdles Title
Fondly called ‘The Prince of Monaco’ during his hey day, Ikpeba showed that he still had a passion for football at the grassroots, as he arrived very early for the one-day soccer carnival in the main bowl of the University of Lagos sports centre.
The product of Eko Hotel FC, who was one of Nigeria’s revelations at the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup in Scotland, was on hand to play the role of motivator and ambassador at Season 2 of the LAB Memorial Football Carnival, much to the delight of the organising committee headed by the chairman, Dr Shola Balogun.
Also in the organising committee for the competition named in honour of late Layiwola Ayinde Balogun, a former footballer and member of Nigeria’s staff delegates to Barcelona ’92 Olympic Games, were Jide-Ojo Olusola (vice-chairman) and Olaseni Sipeolu (co-chairman).
The committee also had Mojeed Akintola (co-vice-chairman), Abdu’Rauf Balogun (chief coordinator), as well as eight members in Oluwatosin Adeniji, Coach Laja Bello, Coach Hakeem Babatunde, Coach Joseph Boafo, Abe Kehinde, Ayo Reis, Yusuf Abdulahi, Coach Agbaje Sheu and Yusuf Abubakar Olamilekan.
They put together a highly entertaining and revealing single-day competition that ran successfully, despite very early morning heavy rain that delayed kickoff, kept some invited guests away, and rendered part of the UNILAG pitch waterlogged.
However, all the players were undaunted, and they thrilled in a total of eight matches, as Melody FC beat Liqui Moly FC in the first game, followed by victory for Right Vision Choice against Newcastle FC, Rechabite then defeated FC Dynamos and 36 Lion spanked Newcastle Magic in the last quarter final clash.
Afterwards, both semi-finals ended via penalties shoot-out, as Melody FC defeated Right Vision and 36 Lion came from a goal down to send Rechabite packing as well.
Other Other: Lagos State DSVA Holds “Man Wey Sabi” Program At Tejuosho Market
Lekki/Mainland United defeated Dynamos in a novelty match, following which ‘TM,’ Ibrahim Owolabi’s Melody FC stepped out for the final against 36 Lion, whose owner, Hajji Gaffar Olawale Liameed, was listed among the special guests.
A leading politician, Honorable Fuad Kayode Laguda, arrived just in time for the final, before the game was set in motion by centre referee, Yomi Olabiyi, assisted by Shade Ekun (AR1), Adewebi Cletus (AR2), Ojeleye Tope (reserve ref) and Ileogben John (match commissioner).
At the end of full duration action, Melody FC emerged LAB Memorial Football Carnival Season 2 champs with a 3-0 spanking of 36 Lion, courtesy two goals by man of the match, Ikechukwu Ogba and one by gangling striker, Ayodeji Arowonde.
