Gbenga Ogunbote began his managerial role at Lobi Stars with a silverware after he came to Enugu, saw and conquered as the maiden edition of the Tico Select/Ekwueme Preseason Football Tournament came to a fitting end Tuesday night at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu with Nigeria Professional Football League side, Lobi Stars lifting the giant trophy following a hard fought 3-1 victory over Inga’s FC, Enugu, Completesports.com.
The chamoion were decided via penalty kicks after both sides settled for a 1-1 draw at regulation time.
Inga’s pulled the most shocking upset of the tournament by edging out NPFL side, Delta Force after a 3-0 defeat of Udala FC in the last group match.
Tico Select is a Polish sportswear manufacturing company. Ifeanyi Ekwueme, a former Super Eagles player, is their Africa representative.
The preseason tournament was designed to prepare the clubs using their kits for the coming season.
Six teams participated in the tournament including Lobi Stars, Delta Force, Inga’s FC, Ifeanyi Ekwueme Football Academy, Udala FC and Goddosky football academy.
Each of the clubs received three match balls amongst others for taking part in the tournament.
Lobi Stars striker, Sikiru Alimi emerged as tournament leading scorer with four goals.
Ekwueme academy youngster Amaechi Orji was adjudged as the most valuable player.
“It is going to be an annual tournament. We are considering staging the next edition here in Enugu and I promise it will be better than what we’ve just had”, Ekwueme, who is also Heartland FC Sporting Director said.
By Sab Osuji:
