Judiciary, SUBEB Win HOS Cup

Lagos State Judiciary football team emerged winners of the 2011 HOS Cup, held at Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Lagos State Judiciary defeated Ministry of Home Affairs 2-1 in the male category, while defending champions in the female category, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, retained their title as they beat Office of Chief of Staff 4-3 on a penalty shootout after one goal apiece at the regulation time.

The Lagos Head of Service, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe and many civil servants were entertained by the finalists who displayed their football artistry during the closing ceremony.

Paramole Mukadasi drew the first blood for the Ministry of Home Affairs in the 15th minute before Wale Onanuga scored their two goals in the second half to seal victory for the Lagos State Judiciary.

After the match, coach of the Judiciary team, Chinedu Njoku, said the victory was well deserved as his players played to instructions.

“We deserved to win the trophy because we were better than our opponents. Though it was a tough game for us, I thank God that we came out victorious,” he said.

In his own comment, SUBEB’s coach, Oludayo Ogunnaike, whose team won HOS Cup in the female category, said the victory was hard won as his players failed to take their chances in the match which led to a penalty shootout.

“My players would have won the game at the regulation time but they failed to take their chances.

“ It was obvious that many people did not support us but I am happy that we’ve shamed our critics,” he said.

Lagos State Head of Service, Ogunlewe expressed satisfaction with the organisation and officiating of the game.

He commended all the participating teams for the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited throughout the competition.

—Sunday Akintoye