It was a double celebration for Toma Football Club of Agege on Sunday, October 1st as they claimed the 2023 Independent Football Competition after defeating Sena Football Club of Ipaja via penalty shootouts.
The keenly contested game between the two neighbours saw two goals scored by the two sides to end a game that drew applause from the crowd even with forcing kicks from the penalty mark.
The game had ended one all after ninety minutes, forcing penalties from both sides. The Agege boys perfectly converted their five kicks, but that can’t be said of their opponents who missed one kick to end the contest on 5-4 on penalties to drive each of their teeming fans to a wild jubilation.
Toma FC walked away with the prestigious trophy and a grand prize of three hundred and fifty thousand naira as winners while the Runners, Senna FC were awarded a sum of two hundred thousand naira for their efforts as the third-placed side, MS Success carted home hundred thousand naira.
The organizer, Sesan Ogunleye while fielding questions after the game thanked God for the success of the tournament Organizations. He registers his pleasure at the end of the tournament, saying there should be a focus on the grassroots.
“I am very satisfied with the quality of play we witnessed from every team, football is at the grassroots, I would say we are satisfied and we got what we were looking for.”
“Football at the grassroots level is essential for nurturing talent and promoting the sport. That’s what we are trying to do with the competition”.
A total of 32 teams participated in the four-week-long football competition held in the Ipaja area of Lagos State.
The Independent Cup has produced several top players, including Mjällby AIF of Sweden forward Silas Nwankwo.