Onikan Stadium is one of the most storied stadia in Nigeria. It is clothed with the rich history of Nigeria football especially at the grassroot level.
Onikan is strategically located in the heart of Nigeria’s pre-colonial and post-independence institutions. It is surrounded with National landmarks like the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) – where the Declaration of Independence was signed, The National Museum, Flag House, House of the Parliament, ECOWAS Building and lost more structures that evoke the true spirit and foundation of this great country.
Onikan Stadium
In sports, the cricket pitch is located very close to TBS and of course the Onikan Stadium.
Onikan Stadium has played a significant role in the development of football in the country. It has been the home of Principals Cup which was and still is the biggest grassroot football competition. It has provided the leverage for young players like Tarilla, Samson Siasia, Stephen Keshi etc to showcase their talents on the field of play.
Onikan also provides the best venue for school rivalry. In the early 40s to 70s, rivalries between Kings College, Lagos and St. Gregory’s College, Lagos; St. Gregory’s College and St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka were routinely settled at the Onikan Stadium.
GTBank recognized the importance and uniqueness of Onikan Stadium and that’s why it is the play host to GTBank Football Tournaments. This year, Onikan Stadium has played host to GTBank-Lagos State Principals Cup and GTBank Masters Cup. This has given some of the young players an opportunity to play on a standard football pitch with natural grass, a stadium filled with so much history and an experience that they will not forget.
But just like old times and the second time this season, Onikan will be the battle ground where old rivalry will be ignited between St. Gregory’s College and St. Finbarr’s College. They will be playing at the GTBank Masters Cup finals and the victor will be crowned Champions.
St. Finbarr’s College
St. Gregory’s College
However, this goes further than just a final match. Research suggests that the Onikan Stadium was built by a Gregorian and St. Finbarr’s College can authoritatively say that they won most Principals Cup Trophy (11) on Onikan soil. And this makes them the most successful secondary school football team in the history of the Principals Cup.
Both schools have met 3 times at this level of the principals cup with St. Finbarr’s winning twice (1962 & 1979) out of the 3 meetings, but this is the first time they will meet at the GTBank Masters Cup Finals.
These two sides sure have a score to settle and Onikan Stadium is just the perfect place for this epic showdown which its roots goes far back as the history of Onikan itself.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
