The final of the Nigeria Telecoms Games took place at the Legacy pitch of the National stadium, Surulere Lagos. A final contested between two traditional rivals – ETISALAT and MTN. A titanic battle was expected when these two giants clashed and that was what happened as Etisalat ran away 3 – 0 winners.
The final of the Nigeria Telecoms Games took place at the Legacy pitch of the National stadium, Surulere Lagos. A final contested between two traditional rivals – ETISALAT and MTN. A titanic battle was expected when these two giants clashed and that was what happened as Etisalat ran away 3 – 0 winners.
The game started on a frenetic note as both teams exuded plenty of confidence. MTN tried early on to assert their authority in this game, but a resolute Etisalat defence led by Khalid Agboola, Anthony Otekhile, Nelson Obi, Usman Jamiu and Kingsley Daniel sitting at the head of the defence. Particular kudos should be given to the duo of Khalid and Kingsley as they kept a close eye on tournament topscorer Aliche Iheukwumere.
Efforts by Jabaar Aminu, Tade Aderibigbe and Yusuf Abubakar to create chances were also rebuffed by a combination strong defending and brave goalkeeping.
The deadlock was broken in the 6th minute when Brosu Anthony received a long pass from Anthony Otekhile before racing on to the MTN goal to slot it beyond the reach of Anthony Ilo. Two further chances were wasted one by Anthony Brosu who after going past the duo of Joseph Akpata and Taofeek Badmus decided to strike with Edore Eghwubare and David Ore in better positions. The next opportunity fell to David Ore, who after racing past Joseph and Taofeek saw his shot canon off the upright. The first half finished 1 – 0.
The second half started in the same manner as the first finished; on a high note. MTN were desperate to get an equaliser. It took only 10 minutes for Etisalat to double their advantage. This time it was David Ore who capitalised on a poor pass from Adeoba Adeleke to Taofeek Badmus. He latched on to it and took his time to go past goalkeeper Anthony Ilo to score the second goal.
2 minutes later it became 3. A long ball from Andrew Enebeli in the direction of David Ore saw goalkeeper Anthony Ilo rush out to clear his lines, only to see his shot canon off Taofeek Badmus into an empty net.
Further chances were created by both sides. Aliche saw a well taken freekick saved by Chima Nnorom who had come on to replace Nelson Okotie. Anthony Ilo also saved well from David Ore. In the end the defending champions were good value for their money, making a successful defense of their title. They thus finished the competition winning all their matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding none.
ETISALAT: Nelson Okotie, Nelson Obi, Usman Jamiu, Kingsley Daniel, Agboola Khalid, Otekhile Anthony, Edore Eghubare, Enebeli Andrew, Brosu Anthony, Ajala Solomon, David Ore
SUBS: Chima Nnorom, Segun daudu, George Aremu, Yakubu Kasim, Ayokunle Ayeni, Aguoguo Chinedu, Akinloye Opeyemi, Kolawole Olatoye, Ayodeji Aremu, Osere Osunbor, Usman Taiwo, Ugbuani Matthew, Ayoku Promise, Ogunjimi Bodunde
MTN: Anthony Ilo, Adewale Akinleye, Adeoba Adeleke, Tade Aderibigbe, Joseph Akpata, Taofeek Badmus, Adebola Kuyinu, Yusuf Abubakar, Aliche Iheukwumere, Jabaar Aminu, Macdaniel Ekwe
SUBS: Francis Nungwa, Harold Mordi, Kunle Kuyinu, Kunle Ojabowale, Tony Otoitoi, Segun Edward, Kareem, Prince Iroegbu, Emeka Chigozie, Leke Odunlami, Fisayo Popoola
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
