It was a galaxy of stars as African football legends converged on Agege Stadium in Lagos on Saturday for the testimonial match in honour of outgoing Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambode’s “The Match” had unprecedented highest number of retired African football stars on parade in the history of testimonial matches played in Nigeria.
“The Match” was between Nigerian stars and African Legends led by the President of Liberia, George Weah and included an array of African stars such as Stephen Appiah from Ghana, Titi Camara, Khalou Fadiga.
Others are Lomana Lualua, Seydou Keita and former African Footballer of the Year, El Hadji Diouf of Senegal.
The African was coached by Nigeria’s Fanny Amun.
For the Nigerian greats, ace dribbler, Jay Jay Okocha led others such as Mutiu Adepoju, Uche Okechukwu, Garba Lawal, goalkeeper Peter Rufai, Nwankwo Kanu, Augustine Eguavoen and Ike Shorunmu.
Other players were ace comedian, Ayo Makun (AY), Daniel Amokachi, Tijani Babangida, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuabu, Julius Aghahowa and Obafemi Martins.
They were coached by the Atlanta 96 Gold Medalist Coach, Jo Bonfere.
The highly entertaining match, however, ended in 4-4 stalemate as both team squared up against themselves to the admiration of the packed full stadium.
The African Stars goal scorers were Titi Camara and El Hadji Diouf who both scored a brace, while Nigerian Stars had Kanu Nwankwo, Garba Lawal, Obafemi Martins and Ayo Makun.
Speaking on the sidelines of the match, El Hadji Diouf, former African Footballer of the Year, and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game, said he was delighted to be part of the history.
“I am happy to be part of this match because I have great respect for Nigerians and their footballers whom I have met and played with.
“I know that Nigerians love the game of football, hence it is good to come here and honour the governor,” he said.
NAN reports that Gov. Ambode was inducted into the Hall of Fame by President General of Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo, who described the governor as someone who truly has passion for sports.
Also in attendance was the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Kweku Tandoh and some Lagos State commissioners. (NAN)
