The Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, played host to the Lagos City Cup 2023, as talents from 16 Nigerian teams locked horns for a chance at a ticket to Europe.
Lagos City cup – Lagos-based Ikorodu City FC, and Spanish sides – FC Barcelona and Atletic San Just, partnered to organize one of the biggest ever talent scouting tournaments in Nigeria and the much-anticipated event lived up to its billing on the first day of the competition.
With 19 goals scored, including one acrobatic effort, one audacious chip and one goal from 40-yards, the scouts must have had their work cut out for them in their bid to choose from the pool of talents on show.
The first match of the day was between Box 2 Box and Dominion Hotspurs which ended goalless. However, there were lots of positives to take from this game, as both teams showed their quality, with neither finding a breakthrough in the contest.
In the second match of the evening, Baraka FC and Ikorodu City FC faced-off in a keenly contested encounter. However, a wonderful acrobatic strike from Ikorodu City youngster Elijah Oladoja after a corner-kick was all they needed to secure maximum points.
Lagos City Cup: Dannaz 0 vs Joy Cometh FC 2
Joy Cometh FC triumphed over Dannaz in the third match of the day with an impressive 2 – 0 win.
Lagos City Cup: 36 Lions 1 vs Kifa 1
36 Lions and Kifa played out an entertaining 1 – 1 draw. 36 Lions went ahead initially, but were left to rue their poor defending as Kifa FC equalized after a scuffle in the box.
In one of the most exciting matches of the day, Prince Kazeem Eletu FC triumphed over FC Middlewell. The designated home team went ahead, before FC Middlewell winger Sallam, conjured a finish of the highest quality, chipping the ball beyond the opposition goalkeeper. However, FC Middlewell failed to capitalize on the momentum swing and conceded late in the game.
Collins Edwin 1 vs G12 2
A late goal from Collins Edwin FC only served as a mere consolation in their match against G12 FC, who controlled most of the proceedings, scoring twice to down their opponents.
Match of the Day: Furture Pro 3 vs Lekki United 3
In the most exciting match of the day, Lekki United showed their fighting spirit, twice coming back from a two-goal deficit to salvage a draw. Furture Pro FC began on the front foot, scoring two goals early – including one 45-yard effort. However, Lekki United got a goal back to make the scoreline respectable. While Lekki United sought for an equalizer, Furture Pro FC extended their lead to 3 – 1. As the game progressed, Lekki United showed their mettle, scoring a second, and a third late-on to the dismay of the Furture Pro FC fans and players.
