1ST MATCH
This was a make or mar game for both sides as the final ticket was at stake. With Etisalat and Airtel waiting on the side-lines for the outcome of this game as both had a stake in it, it was always going to be intense.
LM Ericsson needed a draw to qualify for the final while MTN needed at least a 2 – 0 win. With this in mind the game was started on a cautious note as none of the two sides was willing to commit into making mistakes. MTN soon warmed into the game and started peppering the Ericsson defence with plenty of attacks and it yielded dividends in the 12thminute. A Yusuf Abubakar cornerkick was met by Aminu Jabaar who nodded in beyond the reach of Ajagbe Ahmed. Aliche Iheukwumere then doubled the advantage with the first half almost at a close as he hammered a shot past the hapless Ahmed Ajagbe from inside the box.
The second half started with MTN fired up and it wasn’t long before Aliche won a penalty which Yusuf Abubakar converted. Moments later Aliche was back again scoring after stylishly beating an onrushing goalkeeper Yusuf Alani (who had come on to replace theinjured Ajagbe Ahmed) before tucking it in. Saheed Adeoye reduced the deficit when he received a long range pass and managed to shield his marker before putting it beyond the reach of Anthony Ilo in goal for MTN. Aliche then turned provider again in the final minute, laying on for an onrushing Yusuf Abubakar to slam into the net.
MVP: ALICHE IHEUKWUMERE (MTN)
LM ERICSSON: Ajagbe Ahmed, Asuku Mohammed, Dolapo Ajayi, Jerry Onuachu, Charles Daferiogho, Saheed Adeoye, Tobi Ogunnowo, Mike Oduom, Sunday Eze, Christian Edobor
SUBS: Kayode Akinyosoye, Ghislain Penka, Ifedayo Olatunji, Alani Yusuf, Babatunde Ogunleye, Itodo Moses, Opeyemi Ajiboye, Shafau Tajudeen, Chimena Ijeh
MTN: Anthony Ilo, Debola Kuyinu, Adeoba Adeleke, Adewale Akinleye, Joseph Akpata, Taofeek Badmus, Tade Aderibigbe, Aliche Iheukwumere, Jabaar Aminu, Yusuf Abubakar, Fisayo Popoola
SUBS: Francis Nungwa, Harold Mordi, Macdaniel Ekwe, Tony Itoitoi, Segun Edward, Ojabowale Kunle, Kareem Ebovari, Kunle Kuyinu, Emeka Chigozie
2ND MATCH
With Etisalat already through to the final of the Nigeria Telecoms Games football event, this game was just a formality as they took on Alcatel who were only playing for pride. This was an opportunity for the defending champions to give the other players a run out on the pitch.
Players like Solomon Ajala, Kingsley Daniel, goalkeeper Nelson Okotie, Khalid Agboola, Ganiu Usman and Edore Eghuwubare were given a deserved rest. This however did not deter Etisalat from running away comfortable winners. They just proved too strong for Alcatel.
Taiwo Jamiu set the party on the roll as he received a pass from David Ore, ran into the box before beating goalkeeper Adebosin Abayomi. It took a while before the 2nd goal came and when it did, it was through Yakubu Kasim. David Ore had ghosted into the box before laying on for Yakubu Kasim to slam into the net.
Alcatel put in plenty to get a consolation, but it just wasn’t their day as Etisalat were unwilling to let anything slip. David Ore made it three 7 minutes after the restart and this time it was Yakubu Kasim that created the opportunity with a precise pass that found David unmarked in the box.
The finishing touch to the game was put in by Yakubu Kasim as he beat 3 players before beating Adebosin Abayomi for Alcatel.
MVP: YAKUBU KASIM (ETISALAT)
ETISALAT: Chima Nnorom, Segun Daodu, Ayodeji Aremu, Kolawole Olatoye, George Aremu, Adebumiti Segun, David Ore, Taiwo Jamiu, Yakubu Kasim, Aanu Oyinloye, Promise Njoku
SUBS: Sola Akintola, Matthew Ogbuani, Andrew Enebeli, Chianugo Onyenekwe, Bodunde Ogunjimi, Kunle Ayeni, Chinedu Oguguo, Nelson Obi, Osere Osunbor
ALCATEL: Adebosin Abayomi, Kolawole Farooq, Yusuf Abiodun, Ogili Kenneth, Bankle Olalekan, Ogiamien Mitchell, Idris Akeem, Taiwo Oyatobo, Ogunjimi Abimbola, Edet Enoch, Akeem Fowosere
SUBS: Ahmed Isiaka, Tomiwa Aderinto
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
