Gods Ark crowned champion of the 1st edition of Okoli Community Cup tournament held in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government on Sunday 28th of July 2024.
The entertaining final between Schimchi Football Club and Gods Ark Football Club in front of over 10,000 spectators has a thrilling feel inbthe fabs of grassroots game that will last the test of time in their minds.
Winner Gods Ark FC got a nickname from the crowd as the come back king after trailing Schimchi FC by 2 goals to nil in the first 59 minutes to return with an outstanding performance in the last 30 minutes with a resounding equaliser in the game and made it 2 – 2.
The match went into penalties where Gods Ark FC won by 6-5 after both sides lost 1-1 penalty in the regular shootout before Schimchi Fc lost another in the time of sudden death.
The entertianing final was graced with several dignitaries in and out of Ifako Ijaiye LG with support and presence of the ever relenting Chairman Prince Usman Hamzat Akanbi (UAH) through his Sport committee chairperson Mr. Bababunmi Sharafadeen popularly called Shabund.
Some other dignitaries present are Daddy Oganla the propietress of Messaih FC, Mrs Solomon, Mr and Mrs Okoli, Elele, Eddy, Buhari, Ex Super Eagles player Haruna Lookman, JP, Mr Beecroft Team Manager of Messiah Football Club and the current coach Leke to mention a few.
The Okoli Cup final was entertained with a novelty match played by past players of Messaih FC and those who have played the round leather game in Ifako Ijaiye in the past as Okoli and Friends.
Some of the players are former under 17 and Super Eagles Ex-International Haruna Lookman who entertained the fans with his 35 yards free kick goal from a free kick spot to remind everyone why he is called Obojo. Other Old players are John Okoli (Epo) himself, Mopol, Towobola, Baruwa, Leke and Jah etc.
The Novelty match between Okoli and friends vs Messaih FC ended in favour of Okoli and friends with the score line 2 – 1.
John Okoli gave out cash reward of 500,000 to the winner Gods Ark FC and 250,000 to the runners up Schimchi FC.
He also gave cash reward to the Best player, Best coach, Best Goalkeeper and the highest goal scorer of the tournament.
OKOLI seeing the turn out of fans at the final made a promise to continue the support to grassroot through football by encouraging youth who also beleive in having a career in football.
He also said the season 2 will be much bigger and more teams will be allowed to participate in the tournament with increase in the cash rewards to the tournament.
