Lagos, Nigeria – Ikorodu City Football Club, a National League side, has been crowned champions of Lagos after their victory at the final of the state 2023 FA Cup tournament. The team defeated Smart City Football Club 2-0 in an intriguing game to emerge as winners of the oldest cup competition in the state.
Founded barely two years ago, Ikorodu City has now won its first major silverware, creating history as the first club from the Ikorodu division to clinch FA Cup glory. The team, known as the Oga Boys, had participated in the tournament last season for the first time and were edged out in the quarterfinals by NPFL side, MFM FC. However, this win has now put them in the annals of history as one of the clubs to have won the prestigious Lagos FA Cup.
The final match between Ikorodu City and Smart City was an exciting one, with both teams putting up a fierce competition. An attack by lanky striker, Ayomide Cole, led to the first goal after the defense of Smart City made an own goal. In the early minutes of the second half, Ayomide Cole struck again with an amazing goal, sealing the fate of the opposing team and securing the victory for Ikorodu City.
The individual performances of the players from Ikorodu City did not go unnoticed, with several of them winning individual honors. Skipper, Sabastian Godwin, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while his partner in defense, Uche Emmanuel, won the Man of the Match award. The team’s goalkeeper, Victor Ogbonna, who was famous for his memorable saves during the Semi-Final clash, was crowned Goalkeeper of the tournament.
With this victory, Ikorodu City will now be facing Crusader Football Club of Bayelsa on Wednesday in Owerri as they begin their Federation Cup journey. The team will also be resuming their NNL campaign on Saturday, aiming to continue their winning streak and make their mark in Nigerian football.
Speaking after the victory, Coach of Ikorodu City, John Obi, expressed his pride in the team’s performance and their historic win. “I am incredibly proud of my players and their dedication to the game. This victory is a testament to their hard work and determination. We will now focus on the upcoming challenges and continue to strive for success,” said Coach Obi.
The fans of Ikorodu City were also overjoyed with the team’s triumph, celebrating the historic win and looking forward to more successes in the future. The club’s management and supporters are hopeful that this victory will inspire the team to greater heights and raise the profile of Ikorodu City in Nigerian football.
