The inaugural Lagos Liga, a 7-aside non-professional football tournament, culminated in a dramatic final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, with Abuja-based Primal Sporting FC emerging victorious against Applebee FC in a thrilling penalty shootout. The tournament, announced in May, featured 16 teams, many newly formed, including those owned by prominent figures in the Nigerian entertainment scene, such as Afrobeats superstar Davido (30BG FC) and Big Brother Naija alumna Tacha (Tacha FC). Primal Sporting’s path to the N50m prize money was paved with resilience and late-game heroics, as they battled back from a 1-0 deficit to equalize in the dying seconds of regular time against Applebee FC.
The final match was a high-octane affair, captivating the audience with its intensity and dramatic turns. Primal Sporting, formed by tech expert Mahmud Ribadu, faced a tough challenge against Applebee FC, owned by businessman Nnazilim Egbonu. For much of the game, Applebee FC maintained their slender lead, threatening to clinch the title. However, Primal Sporting refused to surrender, their persistence ultimately rewarded with a last-gasp equalizer that sent the match into extra time. The tension in the stadium was palpable as both teams fought for the decisive goal.
The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) added another layer of drama to the final. In a pivotal moment during extra time, Applebee FC’s appeals for a penalty were reviewed by VAR, resulting in the decision being overturned and a free-kick awarded instead. This crucial intervention highlighted the tournament’s commitment to upholding fair play and utilizing modern technology to ensure accurate officiating. Despite the reprieve, neither team could break the deadlock in extra time, leading to the inevitable penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout became a test of nerves for both sides, with each player stepping up to bear the weight of their team’s hopes. Remarkably, the first eight penalty takers from both Primal Sporting and Applebee FC converted their kicks, demonstrating incredible composure under pressure. The shootout extended into sudden death, with the score tied at 8-8. Finally, the Primal Sporting goalkeeper emerged as the hero, making a crucial save on Applebee FC’s ninth penalty kick, securing the victory and sparking wild celebrations among his teammates.
Beyond the final, the Lagos Liga witnessed the emergence of several intriguing storylines. The semi-finals saw Primal Sporting and Applebee FC dispatching 30BG FC and Tacha FC respectively, both with convincing 3-0 victories. The participation of teams owned by celebrities like Davido and Tacha added a unique dimension to the tournament, attracting wider attention and generating significant buzz among fans. The Lagos Liga served as a platform for these newly formed teams to showcase their talent and compete against established sides.
The culmination of the tournament was marked by a celebratory performance by Nigerian rapper Reminisce, adding a fitting finale to the thrilling evening of football. The Lagos Liga’s inaugural edition proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the passion for football in Nigeria and providing a platform for both established and emerging talents to shine. The tournament’s innovative use of VAR, the dramatic final, and the involvement of celebrity-owned teams all contributed to its captivating appeal, setting the stage for future editions to build upon its success. The event highlighted the growing interest in non-professional football leagues and the potential for such tournaments to further develop grassroots football in Nigeria.
