Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup: FC Nwosu advance, as highly fancied FC Udeze kiss the canvass

 

The Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup quarter-finals delivered a Tuesday of exhilarating football action, leaving fans on the edge of their seats with unforgettable moments. 

Let's recap the thrilling encounters that unfolded:

FC Agbai 4-1 FC Ipaye 

FC Agbai pulled off a remarkable upset against FC Ipaye, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

In a nail-biting game at Legacy Pitch, Onojah Godwin and ThankGod Essein scored two goals each for FC Agbai while Gabriel Adewara registered what turned out to be a consolation for the losing team.

FC Udeze 1-1 FC Ekpo AP (7-8)

FC Udeze and FC Ekpo dished out a classic encounter, producing a thriller that ended 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. into penalties. 

Friday Ekpo's boys did well to win 8-7 on penalties to seal their place in the semi-finals.

FC Agali 2-2 FC Obafemi AP (4-3)

In a captivating clash, FC Agali showcased their resilience and determination, scoring thanks to Aliu Hassan and Adetona Lekan. Onuoha Kingsley and substitute Obinna Romans were on target for FC Obafemi. 

FC Agali's never-say-die attitude propelled them into the semi-finals in dramatic fashion. They won 4-3 on penalties.

FC Nwosu 1-0 FC Ugbade 

Henry Nwosu's wards continued their impressive run, defeating highly rated FC Ugbade  1-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Kingsley Chibueze proved to be the hero for FC Nwosu, as his 28th minute goal paved the way for their journey to the semi-finals.

Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup Cup Semi-Finals:

The stage is set for the semi-finals, with four elite teams ready to battle it out at Legacy Pitch on Friday 28th June.

Below are the fixtures:

FC Agali Vs FC Ekpo 

9am

FC Agbai Vs FC Nwosu

11am

Football fans can expect nothing short of pure excitement and anticipation as these titans clash in pursuit of Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup glory.

The Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup, an initiative of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) is proudly supported by leading gaming company, Bet9ja. 

Other partners are Owu, a foremost sportswear company in Nigeria, Brila FM, Mavlon FC, Mr. Olusola Akinlade, Liigi League, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu.

LSFA hammer falls on 'Gattuso'

 

The Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup was conceptualized as a national platform starting from Lagos State and protected brand whose purpose is to enable renowned ex-internationals’ act as Coach Mentors and to connect, collaborate and contribute to sustainable football development and promotion.

For the purpose of this tournament, established teams were adopted by the ex-internationals and these teams bear the names of the Legends.

It is quite sad that at two venues (Hilario Campos Mini Stadium and Rehabilitation Centre, Isheri-Berger) on Friday, 21st June, 2024, cases of violence were recorded, which could have been avoided. 

The Lagos State Football Association frowns at this and based on the match reports, have decided on the following sanctions for the initiators of the ugly incidences, that have brought the game into disrepute, more so, in the eyes of foreign scouts who are present to help grow the career of our footballing youths.

FC DOSU vs FC AGALI, at The Rehabilitation Centre, Isheri-Berger

FINDINGS

1. The match ended 2-0 in favour of FC AGALI, who lost their home leg 3-2.

2. Violence was led by a supposed supporter of FC DOSU, Mr. Musa Sunday (a.k.a. YARO), a serial trouble maker, whom on various occasions at the same venue had instigated violence, held up and disrupted matches and continued being a pain with a retrogressive footballing label over a number of years.

3. He led a group of boys armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons to attack the match officials and tournament organisers, including their own team officials, claiming that the match officials did not give enough playing time.

DECISIONS

1. In view of his antecedents and latest actions, Musa Sunday is hereby banned from all footballing activities and sporting arenas in Lagos State for a period of TWO (2) YEARS. 

2. He is also required to pay for the treatment and recuperation of all the assaulted persons.

3. A report on Musa Sunday will be sent to the Office of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for appropriate actions.

FC AMOO vs FC NWOSU, at the Hilario Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island

FINDINGS

1. The match was interrupted on two occasions but finally concluded with FC NWOSU winning via penalties.

2. FC AMOO adopted the team, G12 FC. It was quite a regrettable sight to see the CEO of G12 FC, Mr. Hakeem Mustapha (a.k.a., GATTUSO), instigate their club fans towards violence where various forms of charms and weapons were brandished.

3. Activation of emergency deployment of a team of armed policemen to avert any loss of lives and further property.

DECISION

1. Mr. Hakeem Mustapha, one of the major stakeholders in Lagos State football is hereby banned from all footballing activities within Lagos State for ONE (1) YEAR.

The above decision is without prejudice to the right of appeal on or before Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Adedotun Coker Vice-Chairman Lagos State Football Association

FC Nwosu, Agali FC, three others secure quarterfinal berths in Ex Internationals Cup

 

FC Nwosu are through to the quarter-final of the Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup after dramatically edging FC Amoo 10-9 on penalties.

The star studded FC Nwosu got their goals from Namory Keita and Ishola Olaitan, while FC Amoo netted thanks to Mubarak Mustapha's brace. It meant the game was 3-3 on aggregate.

Goalkeeper Samuel Oriola was the hero in the shootout.

FC Dosu 0-2 FC Agali

FC Agali stunned FC Dosu 2-0 to march on against all odds. The tricky pairing ended 4-3 on aggregate.

Victor Agali's wards cruised to the win courtesy of brace from Aliyu Hassan. 

FC Oloyede 0-0 FC Agbai 

FC Agbai progressed to the next round after drawing 0-0 against FC Oloyode. It was a 3-0 aggregate win for the former.

FC Dominic 0-0 FC Ugbade

FC Dominic and FC Ugbade played a goalless draw but the latter surged ahead 1-0 on aggregate.

Quarter-Final Pairings

FC Agali vs FC Ayila/FC Obafemi 

FC Ekpo vs FC Udeze/FC Okpara 

FC Agbai vs FC Ipaye/FC Ikpeba 

FC Nwosu vs FC Ugbade 

All the matches are billed for Tuesday 25th June. The games will hold at Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Legacy Pitch.

The Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup, is proudly supported by leading gaming company, Bet9ja. 

Other partners are Owu, a foremost sportswear company in Nigeria, Brila FM, Mavlon FC, Mr. Olusola Akinlade, Liigi League, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu.

LSFA Ex-International Cup: FC Agali humbles Aiyegbeni FC

 

FC Agali recorded a 2-0 victory over FC Aiyegbeni in the first leg of their Round of 32 at Victor Agali Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Segun Alayande made the breakthrough in the 70th minute of the contest before Aliu Hassan doubled FC Agali's advantage in the 89th minute, meaning that the Badagry side will take a two-goal lead into the second leg of the contest.

FC Agali had a golden chance to take the lead in the 22nd minute of the game but Aliu missed the spot kick.

The homers, as expected, were the team dominating possession, but FC Ayegbeni looked a big threat on the counter, with Osas Ekuase and Chinaza Onuaha leading the charge.

The away side had a chance of their own when Chinonso Sunday worked space inside the FC Agali box before attempting to beat the keeper, who was equal to the effort.

The game trully deserved a goal as it was an end to end affair. 

However, at the break the scoreline was goalless draw.

The home team did make the breakthrough in the 70th minute of the contest, though, and it was not a surprise that Alayande was the player on the scoresheet.

It was a simple finish from the youngster, who converted into the net from close range after Isa Hassan flicked the ball to his path. 

The Yakubu Ayegbeni mentored team managed to settle after going down to a goal, but they conceded a second in the 89th minute when Aliu's struck to redeem himself after a first half penalty miss. 

FC Ayegbeni had the opportunity to reduce the deficit but they blew it just wide of the post at injury time, leaving them in a difficult position in the tie ahead of the second leg.

Mavlon FC, Brila FM, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu are partners of the Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup.

Others are Bet9ja, Mr. Olusola Akinlade and LiiGi League.

Bet9ja is the registered trading name of the KC Gaming Networks Limited. The brand hold licenses to operate in all states where sports betting is permitted in Nigeria. They cover all the major sporting events across Europe and the world and guarantees payouts on all winning bets.

Matchday2 Result

FC Agali 2-0 FC Ayegbeni