ETHIOPIA WINS AFRICAN NATIONS CUP IN AJEGUNLE

Presentation of Trophy

Ethiopia last weekend defeated defending champions Malawi 1-0 in the final of the Ajegunle Mock African Nations Cup, played at the popular Nigerian Navy Barracks play ground to claim a record eight title in the 36th edition of the longest running grassroots tournament in West Africa. 
The pulsating encounter which had the impressive crowd at the edges of their seats, was a grand display of the best of grassroots football. What with tenacious tackles, individual brilliance and unbridled youthful exuberance that truly saw the crowd and the dignataries, including the General Manager of 3SC, Rasheed Balogun, Effiong Nyong, Deacon Steve Ampie, Prince Efemena Elutabe, Fred Odita, Alhaji Akeem Bello, Jumbo Awala, Monday Odiaka, amongst others excited. 
The only goal that separated the two teams in the keenly contested  game was scored in the 10 minute of the first half by fast paced striker, Sunday Ajabor. 
After the game, the tournament's coordinator, Alhaji Sikiru Ashimi, expressed his appreciation to the participants, the officials and other individuals for their supports in ensuring a hitch free tournament. 

Ethiopia Players before the final Whistle

The Chairman in Joyous mood after the Victory

On his part, Stanley Nduka Oji, who represented one of the prospective sponsors of the tournament, Team One, a foreign based sports company, disclosed that henceforth, the tournament would be supported in all areas necessary to help return its fame and glory. 
It would be recalled that the Ajegunle Mock African Nations Cup, which was founded by retired Naval Officer, Lawrence Alabrah, has produced several top class for clubs and country, including Samson Siasia, Dipreiye Teibowei, Monday James, Emmanuel Amuneke,Alfred Emujeraye, Gabriel Okolosi, Jumbo Awala, Monday Odiaka, James Enagwuna, Dickson Nwaekeme, Tony Nwaekeme and of course, present day NPFL players, Sikiru Alimi, Ayo Saka, Godwin Aguda and several others. 

BY: AKEEM BUSARI