The 2014 edition of the COPA Lagos Beach Soccer tournament, sponsored by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, came to a colourful and impressive end on Sunday, with the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Bank, Ladi Balogun, assuring of its commitment to continuously support initiatives that will promote the well-being of Nigerians and the country at large.
Cote D’ivoire won the trophy this year and one of its players, Daniel Kouassitchi, emerged as the most valuable player, while three times champions, The Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria, came second.
The tournament, which kicked-off last Friday at the Eko Atlantic Beach Soccer stadium, featured the Beach Soccer teams of Cote D’ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria.
The Beach soccer teams of Barcelona Football Club of Spain, Enyimba Football Club, Stationery Stores Football Club and Pepsi Academy; all of Nigeria, also participated.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Balogun explained that, “FCMB’s involvement in this tournament is part of our contributions to sports development.
“It also provided us an avenue to bring our customers, Nigerians, soccer fans, families, players and other stakeholders together in an atmosphere of relaxation, excitement and bonding which are very important to healthy living and nation building.
“Beach Soccer is becoming more popular in Nigeria. We believe that our sponsorship of the tournament in the last four years has helped to raise the profile of the game going by the large turnout of spectators and other dignitaries that have been watching the matches. This tournament has become one of the most exciting events not just this festive season but during the year,” he said.
While commending the organisers (Kinetic Sports Limited), the players and spectators for ensuring the success of the tournament, Balogun stated that the bank will continue to facilitate initiatives that would add value to people and the society.
Apart from the excitement which FCMB built around the football matches, the Bank also treated guests and customers that attended the 3-day soccer fiesta to a VIP treatment at its hospitality lounge.
Among the dignitaries that registered their presence at the lounge were seasoned sports administrator, Dr. Amos Adamu, Rafiu Ladipo and Fanny Amun. FCMB also hosted former footballs stars like Samson Siasia, Peter Rufai, Victor Ikpeba, among others, at the lounge.
Guests and spectators were also provided with opportunity to experience the unique banking services of FCMB as the sales team of the Bank was on ground to showcase its array of valued-added products and services. There was also an ATM installed at the venue by the Bank for easy access to cash and other financial transactions.
Other highlights of this year’s tournament were celebrity match that featured Balogun along with soccer stars such as, Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Austin Eguavoen as well as celebrities like Ali Baba, Ayo Makun (alias AY) and Fred Amata. The tournament also witnessed fashion show and concert with performance from top rated artistes.
Commenting on this year’s tournament, the President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo, expressed excitement at the growing status of beach soccer in Nigeria and the support provided by corporate bodies like FCMB.
According to him, “beach soccer has come to stay and I sincerely want to thank the organisers of this tournament, FCMB, 1960BET, Pepsi and the other sponsors for living up to expectation”.
Also speaking, former Super Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, said, “this year’s competition was well organized and a memorable experience for me.”
He commended FCMB for its roles at promoting sports development.
According to him, “the action of the Bank demonstrates that it means well for the youths and sport, because beach soccer is an exciting game that has the capacity to effectively engage our youths to realise and fulfill their potentials. The involvement of FCMB and other sponsors in COPA Lagos have made the tournament more glamorous.”
Follow Us
