Football legends honour Ambode

The Agege Stadium in Lagos was buzzing with excitement on Saturday as top African and Nigerian football legends honoured Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, with a testimonial match ahead of his exit from office.

Among the players on the Nigerian legend team coached by Olympic gold medal winning coach, Bonfere Joe, were Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi, Augustine Eguavoen, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amunike, Taribo West, Uche Okechukwu, Garba Lawal, Peter Rufai and Ike Shorunmu.

Others include Finidi George, Victor Ikpeba, Obafemi Martins, Tijani Babangida, Julius Aghahowa and Sam Sodje, while Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu and Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, featured in the game.

The African legend team, coached by former U-17 Golden Eaglets coach, Fanny Amun had the likes of El Hadji Diouf, Diomansy Kamara, Titi Kamara, Christian Karembeu, Stephen Appiah, Didier Zokora, Lomana Lua Lua, Khalilou Fadiga and Seydou Keita.

Watched by an unprecedented crowd that thronged the Agege Stadium, Nwankwo opened the scoring in the first half before Titi Kamara drew the African legends level within a space of two minutes. A fowl in the penalty box by Taribo West on El Hadji Diouf was converted by Titi Kamara which put the African stars 3-1 at half time.

In the second half, Garba Lawal fired in a free kick from the edge of the 18-yard to half the deficit for the Nigerian Legends. But a cheeky penalty from El Hadji Diouf put the African legends 4-2 up.

With the game heading for its final minutes, Obafemi Martins charged through the defence of the African legends and scored a rebound with a header, while a stoppage time goal by comedian, AY ensured both team shared the spoils, with the game finishing in a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Before the game, Ambode was given a guard of honour by both teams as he walked through with fireworks display, before performing the official kick-off for the match.

Earlier, there was a novelty match between an U-15 side from Lagos and their counterpart from Kebbi state, with the visitors running away with 5-0 victory.

Ambode was also inducted into the hall of fame by the Nigeria Supporters Club (NSC) for his “unwavering support towards sports development” and especially football in Nigeria.

The event was also spiced up by music performances by top Nigerian artistes, including Two Baba, Small Doctor, among others.

Speaking to journalists after the match, Victor Ikpeba said Ambode deserved to be commended and appreciated for what he had done for Lagos, saying that he would be greatly missed.

“It’s a long time that we witnessed the fans come out in numbers for this kind of game and it just shows that the fans still appreciate their former greats in African football. It’s great for Lagos State today; we are all excited. It’s not about the result, but just coming together to have this fantastic game. Credit to Ambode; we are going to miss him. We wish him all the best in life in the future,” he said.

Also in a letter addressed to the Governor, four times African Footballer of the Year, Samuel Eto’o expressed his regret of his inability to participate in the match, however saying that he was glad to have been invited as he holds the governor in high esteem.

“I hold you in high esteem, the love and support I get from Nigerian football lovers and fans in Nigeria at large. It would have been a pleasure attending this celebration. I love you Governor Ambode, I believe the event will be a success and I give you my warmest regards,” he said.