The maiden edition of Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup organised by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) got underway on Saturday morning, with three first leg matches played.
32 Lagos based ex-Nigeria internationals adopted various teams purposedly for the tournament, with the two-legged affair adopted by organizers.
The first game of the day was between FC Ugbade and FC Nieketien at Nitel Ground in Oshodi.
The coach Nduka Ugbade managed side edged to an early lead courtesy of Ephraim Elijah who beat the goalkeeper with ease.
Striker Martins Ogbe had the opportunity to level matters for FC Nieketien but he was hesitant in the box.
Despite the dominance from FC Nieketien, they were not clinical in front of goal as first half ended 1-0 in favour of FC Ugbade.
Nigeria international Agada Charles was instrumental to FC Ugbade’s second goal. He floated the ball to Egbedokun Caleb who showed appreciation with a clinical strike in the 50th minute.
With six minutes left on the clock, Ochedikwu Samson found space in the box to put the icing on the cake for FC Ugbade. 3-0 it ended.
Coach Peter Nieketien and his lads have a lot of work ahead of the second leg.
Action switched to the Legacy Pitch where FC Obafemi slugged it out with FC Omoruyi.
The two sides shared the spoils in an entertaining fixture.
In the 27th minute, Victor Ojo delivered the curtain raiser for FC Omoruyi from the penalty spot.
Four minutes later, Ezekiel Oke levelled up for FC Obafemi with a long range effort.
Meanwhile, FC Udeze annihilated FC Elaho 4-0 at Legacy Pitch.
The Ifeanyi Udeze mentored team drew the first blood in the 23rd minute through Ebuka Ogbonna, who tapped home a pass from ex Warri Wolves winger Oghenevo Uzezi.
FC Udeze increased their the lead on the half hour mark. Stephen Okpehi was gifted the goal following miscommunication between goalkeeper Silas Odemero and his defender.
Ogbonna bagged the double following a sweet team move that left the hosts bewildered.
Uzezi who was the architect of great things done by the visitors finally got a goal that his performance deserved.
Despite late incursions by FC Elaho they failed to breach the bullet proof territory of FC Udeze.
Mavlon FC, Brila FM, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu are partners of the Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup.
Others are Bet9ja, Mr. Olusola Akinlade and LiiGi League.
Bet9ja is the registered trading name of the KC Gaming Networks Limited. The brand hold licenses to operate in all states where sports betting is permitted in Nigeria. They cover all the major sporting events across Europe and the world and guarantees payouts on all winning bets.
Match Day 1 Results
FC Ugbade 3-0 FC Nieketien
FC Obafemi 1-1 FC Omoruyi
FC Elaho 0-4 FC Udeze
