After 12 weeks of exciting football in the Betway five-a-side league, Ikeja All-Stars defeated G12 on penalties on Saturday at The Landmark Beach Front, Victoria Island, Lagos to win the N1 million star prize.
Since the start of the Betway Five’s league, the competition has boosted the popularity of five-a-side football in Nigeria, as 24 teams took part in the games held across four locations in Lagos.
At the finale, the Special Eagles, Nigerian Amputee football team, fresh from the Amputee Cup in Mexico, thrilled spectators to some beautiful football, showing many why they got the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the prestigious event.
Football lovers were not left out, as cash prizes and other gift items were given out on the final day of the league. Excited fans participated in ball juggling competitions and showed their knowledge of football by taking part in quizzes. A football freestyle competition also held between two top free-stylists.
At the end of the final match, awards were presented to players who distinguished themselves during the season. The Golden ball went to Chidi Nwankwo of Ikeja All-Stars, as the best player of the league, Emeka Asogwa of Vic FC was presented with the Golden Shoe as the highest goal scorer. Adelana Ademola of Ikeja All-Stars was presented with the Golden Gloves.
In attendance were the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery Board, Seun Anibaba, Head of Finance and Accounts Lagos State Lottery Board, Adeyinka Suleman, Country Director, Betway, Chris Ubosi and other dignitaries.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the event, Betway’s Country Manager, Lere Awokoya, said: “The competition was fierce but healthy. The passion for the game was very much present throughout, and we hope to spread the love deeper and wider. This has been nothing short of an awesome season and we are excited about doing more towards building sports in Nigeria”
Betway, the official kit sponsor of English Premier League side, West Ham, has been involved in many sports activities since its entry into the Nigerian betting market.
