The Agege Stadium in Lagos on Saturday played host to African football legends as they honoured the out-going Governor of the State, Akinwunmi Ambode, in a testimonial match.
“The Match,” as it was tagged, attracted a huge number of retired African football stars, who played to a full capacity crowd stadium.
The thrilling game between team Nigerian legends and team African Legends ended 4-4.
The Nigerian stars who were coached by the legendary Jo Bonfere who took the Flying Eagles to Atlanta 96 where they won the Gold medal.
Among the Nigerian stars who played were, Jay Jay Okocha, Mutiu Adepoju, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Garba Lawal, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amunike, Augustine Eguavoen, Ike Shorunmu and Peter Rufai.
Others were, Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Tijani Babangida, Taribo West, Julius Aghahowa, Obafemi Martins, Sam Sodje, Philip Shuaibu, Deputy Governor of Edo State and ace comedian, Ayo Makun (AY).
On the African football legends’ side were Stephen Appiah, Titi Camara, Khalou Fadiga, Lomana Lua lua, Seydou Keita, El Hadji Diouf, Diomansy Kamara, Didier Zokara, Chriatian Karembeu, Seydou Keita and Khalilou Fadiga.
They were coached by Nigeria’s former U-17 coach, Fanny Amun.
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Kanu Nwankwo scored the opening goal of the testimonial match for the Nigerian stars, but was quickly followed by Titi Kamara for the African legends. He went on to score a second goal for his side. El Hadji Diouf scored the other two goals for the African legends.
Besides Kanu Nwankwo’s opening goal, Garba Lawal, Obafemi Martins and Ayo Makun also found the net for the Nigerian stars.
Indeed the legends on both sides proved themselves on the pitch as the crowds who thronged the stadium were totally entertained.
Speaking at the end of the game, El Hadji Diouf, former African Footballer of the Year, and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game, expressed delight at being part of the send-forth match for outgoing governor of Lagos.
“I am happy to be part of this match because I have great respect for Nigerians and their footballers whom I have met and played with.
“I know that Nigerians love the game of football, hence it is good to come here and honour the governor,” he said.
Part of Saturday’s activities was the induction of Gov. Ambode into the Hall of Fame by President-General of Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, who acknowledged the governor’s passion for sports.
Also in attendance were the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Kweku Tandoh, among other dignitaries.
