Dino SC, Beyond Limits rekindle rivalries at Lagos Supremacy Cup final

 

The 2024 Lagos Supremacy Cup final will feature the reigning champions Dino SC going head-to-head with the Viareggio Cup victors Beyond Limits at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday morning. Kickoff is 9:50am Nigerian time.

In the third-place playoff, Charlesann will challenge 36 Lion. The match underway at 8am.

Teams competed fiercely on Friday, aiming to impress the scouts in attendance.

Here’s a recap of Day 3:

Dino SC 3-2 Ikorodu City

Despite a brace from Wisdom Ubani, Ikorodu City fell short, losing 3-2 to Dino SC. Dino SC finished at the top of Group A with 10 points out of a possible 12.

Seamoriow 1-1 FC Bethel

FC Bethel initially took the lead with a goal from Ojo Jordan, but Seamoriow equalized through Quadri Adewuyi, who found the far left corner.

Broad City 1-0 Real Sapphire

A 5th-minute goal from Terhide David was sufficient for Broad City to secure a narrow victory over Real Sapphire.

MS Success 0-3 Charlesann

Charlesann capitalized on a poor defensive performance from MS Success, with goals from Sunday Jones, Uche Jones, and Akolawole Lateef leading to a 3-0 triumph. With six points and a goal difference of +3, Charlesann awaited the outcome of the Beyond Limits vs FC Bethel match to determine their fate in Group B.

36 Lion 1-1 Ikorodu City 

Samson Akinyoola's late goal secured a well-deserved point for 36 Lion in their match against Ikorodu City. Ahmed Malik opened the scoring in the 45th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after goalkeeper Samuel Oriola saved his initial penalty attempt. This result allowed 36 Lion, in second place, to secure a playoff spot for third place with a total of seven points from four matches.

Beyond Limits Football Academy 1-1 FC Bethel 

In another thrilling encounter, Beyond Limits managed to draw 3-3 with FC Bethel, thanks to Abiodun Toheeb's equalizer in the 52nd minute. The match was action-packed from the start, with Akinsipe Amos scoring in the 18th minute. 

Ojo Jordan seemed to give Bethel the upper hand by scoring after a rebound from goalkeeper Daniel Aiyenugba. Toheeb's goal reignited hope for Beyond Limits, but Uchenna Marizu restored Bethel's two-goal lead shortly after. 

However, in a dramatic finish, Ogunniyi Oluwaseyi and Toheeb scored to level the match. The result was disappointing for FC Bethel, who finished third with six points (+2), while Beyond Limits topped the group with eight points from four matches.

Day 3 Results:

Dino SC 3-2 Ikorodu City

Seamoriow 1-1 FC Bethel

Broad City 1-0 Real Sapphire

MS Success 0-3 Charlesann

36 Lion 1-1 Ikorodu City

Beyond Limits Football Academy 3-3 FC Bethel

Dino SC maintain perfect start, 36 Lion, Beyond Limits record wins as Lagos Supremacy Cup enters day two

 

The Lagos Supremacy Cup progressed with defending champions Dino SC delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Sapphire at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Thursday.

In addition, 36 Lion, Beyond Limits Football Academy, and FC Bethel also secured victories, contributing to a total of 20 goals scored throughout the day.

Here’s a summary of the matches:

Beyond Limits 2-2 Charlesann

The reigning Viareggio Cup champions struck first, scoring within the first 10 minutes. Charlesann equalized in the 28th minute with Teslim Balogun converting a squared pass. Early in the second half, Beyond Limits fell behind for the first time in the tournament when Israel Archibong successfully converted a penalty, sending goalkeeper Daniel Aiyenugba the wrong way. Charlesann had another opportunity from the spot, but Aiyenugba made a spectacular save to deny Archibong. This pivotal moment energized Beyond Limits, who were awarded a penalty of their own, which Abiodun Toheeb confidently converted.

Ikorodu City 2-2 Broad City

Broad City’s Hanif Sanusi made headlines with a brace, yet they were held to a 2-2 draw by Ikorodu City. Wisdom Ubani and Shola Adelani found the net for the Oga Boys.

FC Bethel 2-0 MS Success

FC Bethel secured a 2-0 victory over a lackluster MS Success, with goals from Joel Fati and Godwin Chijioke.

Dino SC 3-0 Real Sapphire

Dino SC took the lead in the 21st minute with a well-executed goal from Amos Ikechukwu, followed by Umoh Ezekiel doubling the score. Real Sapphire's struggles were compounded when Joseph Ubong scored with a powerful header from a cross delivered by Hassan Agbede.

Seamoriow 0-0 Charlesann

In the fourth match of the day, Charlesann and Seamoriow played to a goalless draw.

36 Lion 2-1 Broad City

Baba Arigo's 36 Lion achieved their second consecutive victory, thanks to the exceptional performance of former Caracas and Zamalek striker Samson Akinyoola, who helped secure a win against Broad City.

Alex John contributed significantly with a simple tap-in, following an impressive sequence of play involving Soumah Mohamed and Oluwafemi Opeyemi.

Broad City equalized just three minutes after the half-hour mark. Sanusi Hanif delivered a precise cross to Bakare Ayomide, who responded with a powerful header.

Akinyoola clinched the victory in the 45th minute. After goalkeeper Friday Godwin failed to hold onto a strong shot from Chibueze Kingsley, Akinyoola was quick to capitalize on the rebound.

Beyond Limits Football Academy 3-1 MS Success

The Ikenne based side triumphed with a 3-1 scoreline, as Olasunkanmi Abass scored twice and Ogunniyi Oluwaseyi added another goal.

Raz Medi's equalizer in the first half ultimately served as a mere consolation.

Day 2 Results

Beyond Limits Football Academy 2-2 Charlesann

Ikorodu City 2-2 Broad City

FC Bethel 2-0 MS Success

Dino SC 3-0 Real Sapphire

Seamoriow 0-0 Charlesann

36 Lion 2-1 Broad City

Beyond Limits Football Academy 3-1 MS Success

Lagos Supremacy Cup: Hanif, Agada, three others special talents to look out for (Part 1)

 

The Lagos Supremacy Cup has developed a reputation for being an event that showcases some of the best young talents in Nigeria. Previous alumni include: Colin Sor, Quadri Liameed, Solomon Agbalaka, Tijani Muhamed, Ade Oguns and Samson Akinyoola … the list could go on.  

With the tournament around the corner, we've selected five players to look out for at the 18th edition of Lagos Supremacy Cup.

NB: This is part 1 of the series of players to watch at the tournament.

5. Akindele Ramadan Ayatu [Dosu Joseph Football Club]

Ayatu's strongest trait is his keen eye for goal, and the movement on and off the ball which allows him to create chances for himself. Dosu Joseph Football Club's flexibility in offensive positions means that he will be expected to contribute throughout all phases of play. 

However, the youngster's astute knowledge of the game, and his unpredictability in possession allows him to drive his team's attacks forward.

He bagged 18 goals in 16 matches at the Ikeja Divisional Football league last season.

4. Moses Ekundayo [FC Bethel]

The comparison here is an easy one. Moses Ekundayo is a winger who plays like France skipper Kylian Mbappe. That said he has showed willingness to get his foot in when FC Bethel presses high up the pitch during matches in the grassroots.

Ekundayo is adept at finishing chances as he is at creating them.

At his best he usually shows great technical skill and a willingness to dribble the ball into the box before squaring the ball back to a forward. If you hadn't guessed yet, he's the new Mbappe.

3. Sanusi Hanif [Broad City]

The forward has been brilliant for Broad City at the current TCC season. 

Hanif has lightening pace and isn't scared to take on his opposite number with a touch of skill or burst of acceleration. He singlehandedly destroyed Beyond Limits in a recent game.

2. Ozor Victor Okeke [Tripple 44]

Okeke can be described as a proper modern ball playing defensive midfielder. He can also play anywhere at the back whenever needed. He comes as a very dedicated and passionate footballer. 

Linus uses his technique to good use for aerial duels and headed clearances. He is very strong in the air, capable of surviving under pressure. His enthusiasm to help the team is visible by his tactical awareness.

The lad's tremendous strength makes it very difficult to him push off the ball. He is extremely comfortable in possession and is an accomplished passer of the ball with possessing a rich variety of passes. The 17-year-old was part of Golden Eaglets' team at the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

1. Agada Charles Adah [Mavlon]

Standing at 1.75m, Agada Charles Adah certainly isn't the tallest of strikers but he is very strong for his height. He's able to shield the ball from the opposition rather well, meaning his hold up play is much better than expected. 

However, when given space to run with the ball or behind a defence he can cause havoc. His blistering pace allows him to exploit a high line held by an opposition defence whilst his smart movement allows him to create space within the box to get into a goal scoring position which is a rare trait to have for someone so young and raw.

The youngster notched two goals for Mavlon at the last edition of the prestigious ViaReggio Cup in Italy. He was also part of the Golden Eaglets' squad to the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Keep an eye on him!