GTBank Lagos Principals Cup: Ejigbo Boys, CMS, Ikotun Girls, Dairy Farm Book Final Berth

Ejigbo Senior Secondary School, Ejigbo and CMS Girls Secondary School, Bariga, on Tuesday at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, booked their place in the final of the GTBank Lagos State Principals Cup after scintillating semifinal matches. In the first match, SMC, inspired by their, striker, Ndiana Edemekop, the tournament’s top scorer, defeated Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos Island by a lone goal.

All efforts by the girls from Lagos Island to equalis e proved abortive as the fourth time finalist stood firm.

If the fans felt they had seen a thrilling display of soccer artistry from the girls, the boys’ game was electrifying as Ejigbo Senior Secondary School came from two goals down to defeat Keme Balogun Grammar School, Ikorodu, 4-2 via penalty shootouts.

Wasteful Ikorodu side failed to consolidate on their two goals from each half and paid dearly for it as the side from Ejigbo rallied round to score two late goals to send the huge crowd at the stadium into frenzy.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, Ejigbo Senior Secondary School converted four of their kicks, while Keme Balogun could only manage to convert two.

On Wednesday at same venue, Sanya Senior Girls Grammar School, Surulere lost to defending champions Ikotun Senior High School, Ikotun 1-2 while Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege, defeated Jubilee Model Senior Grammar School, Surulere 3-1 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time.

The final which would be played on a yet to be announced date will see CMS Girls Senior Secondary School, Bariga take on defending champions, Ikotun Senior High School, Ikotun while the boys category will be between Ejigbo Senior Secondary School, Ejigbo and Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege.

The GTBank-Lagos Principals Cup is an annual football competition geared towards the development of grassroots football, the discovery of young football talents and fostering camaraderie among secondary students.

It also provides a platform for identifying; nurturing, grooming young and talented players as well as helping students actualizes their dream of becoming professional footballers.

GTBank also restated its commitment to investing in grassroots and youth soccer development, as a vital step in helping Nigeria emerge a global power house in soccer.