The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Copa

  • COPA Lagos thrills with potpourri of shows

    COPA Lagos thrills with potpourri of shows

    This year’s edition of the annual COPA Lagos show which took place at the Eko Atlantic City has taken art and entertainment a notch higher in Nigeria, having treated revelers to a variety of high profile shows.

    It was the best of time for fun seekers who were treated to an international football match, a runway show of local designers with Nigerian Beachwear 2017 collection and a series of musical performances featuring some of the best of Nigerian artistes.

    At the event which had in attendance notable dignitaries including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the crowd was full of merry and cheers for the performers.

    The day had begun with a thrilling beach soccer match between Enyimba FC beach soccer team and the Pepsi Football Academy. Next was a celebrity match between Team Dbanj and Team Victor Ikpeba. Team Dbanj included Peter Okoye of P-Square, Samson Adamu, CEO of Kinetic Sports, organisers of the event, and popular Beat FM OAP, Jimi. Ikpeba’s team had other ex-Nigerian internationals like like Aloy Agu in goal, Waidi Akanni, Victor Agali, Mutiu Adepoju, Ifeanyi Udeze and popular celebrity, Frank Edoho of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire fame. The Ex-Internationals won the match 2-1.

    The main competition on the day was a game between Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles and the Switzerland national beach soccer team. The Swiss lived up to their pre-tournament billing, beating Nigeria 8-3 in an electrifying encounter, which also saw the emergence of its star player, Noel Ott emerging as the Man of the Match.

    The fashion show featured top Nigerian designers and upcoming talents who thrilled the audience with beach-friendly designs with a COPA lifestyle theme, personified by carefully curated pieces from clothing to accessories. The designers included Raya, Kinabuti, Krushil, Assian, Dap Mod and The Weave Hat Company.

    Other highlights of the event included a food fair and a dedicated fan zones where sponsors like FCMB, Pepsi, Wakanow and Hero Lager treated fans to different games and contests, with some of the guests taking home a variety of exciting gifts and prizes. The event was rounded off with an all-night open air music concert anchored by Nigeria’s international award winner, DJ Obi.

    The feat attained by this year’s COPA Lagos is a confirmation of the words of Samson Adamu, CEO of Kinetic Sports, organisers of the event, who said that COPA Lagos was much more than a football tournament, as it has grown over the years to become a major show capable of putting Nigeria on the global tourism map. He noted that while the football matches served as a fitting forerunner to the CAF Beach Soccer Cup of Nations which comes up two days after at the same venue, the other activities were meant to celebrate other aspects of the passions of Nigerians.

    “Despite this being a one day event, this year, we had a huge turnout and the experience this year not only focused on football, but on the different things our people are really very passionate about. We have since moved from being the first ever international beach soccer event in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to being one of the most attended entertainment events in the region, as can be seen from the crowd here today,” Adamu said.

  • Ejo eyes Copa podium comeback

    Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles head coach, Adamu Audu Ejo is positive his side will not stay off the Copa podium for a long time.

    Eagles defeated their Lebanese counterparts 7-4 in match day 3 clash on Sunday to finish the championship in the second spot behind winners, Ivory Coast at the 2015 Copa Lagos.

    Ejo said his side had a better performance in their last two matches against England and Lebanon after an opening match loss to eventual winners, Ivory Coast.

    “After we lost the first match to Ivory Coast we went back to the drawing board and came out with a much improved performance in the last two matches against England and Lebanon.

    “Ivory Coast are inviting me in May. I hope to go there to retrieve the trophy right there in their backyard.

    “I pray the league starts on time. I’m sure with the new players and experienced ones we will in a short time reclaim dominance of the annual championship,” said Ejo to supersport.com.

    For two years running Nigeria have

    played second fiddle to their West African rivals.

    Nigeria came out tops in the first three editions in 2011, 2012 and 2013 while Ivory Coast won in 2014 and now again in 2015.

  • COPA LAGOS BEACH SOCCER: Sand Eagles begin title quest against Cote d’Ivoire

    COPA LAGOS BEACH SOCCER: Sand Eagles begin title quest against Cote d’Ivoire

    Nigeria’s national beach soccer team, Super Sand Eagles will begin their quest for title at this year’s edition of the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament against Cote d’Ivoire on  December 18 by 4.30pm at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.

    According to the fixtures made available by Kinetic Sports Management, organisers of the annual Copa Lagos beach soccer tournament which ends on  December 20, the coach Audu Adamu led team will hope to reclaim back the title they lost last year to the Ivorians  in one of the opening fixtures.

    In the events schedule, on  December 16, there would be kids clinic involving 100-150 children with FC Barcelona team by 10 am.

    Official training session for the participating teams will hold on December 17.

    On the 18th, there would be FC Barcelona Club Challenge which will see Pepsi Academy taking on Kano Pillars by 12:45 pm, while FC Barcelona will face Shooting Stars by 2 pm.

    At 3:15pm, Lebanon will also file out against England before the Nigerian game against Cote d’Ivoire.

    After the Day 1 games, VIP lounge, Beer village officially open by 5:30pm.

    The events will start on the 19th by 11:30am with Shooting Stars taking on Pepsi FA, while Kano Pillars will face FC Barcelona by 12:45pm in the Club Challenge.

    Cote d’Ivoire will slug it out with Lebanon by 2pm, while there will be a celebrity match by 3:15pm.

    Sand Eagles will return to action against England by 4:30pm

    Fashion Show starts by 5:30pm while After Party begins by 7pm.

    On December 20, the last day of the event, Kano Pillars game against Shooting Stars will set the ball rolling by 12:45 pm before FC Barcelona and Pepsi FA slug it out by 2pm in the Club Challenge.

    Cote d’Ivoire will face England by 3:15pm, while Nigeria play Lebanon by 4:30pm.  The award ceremony will hold immediately after the game with a concert scheduled to begin by 6pm.

  • Sand Eagles retain Copa Beach Soccer title

    Sand Eagles retain Copa Beach Soccer title

    • Beat Senegal 4-2

    • Abu Azeez wins MVP

    Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles retained the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer title for the 3rd time after defeating Senegal 4-2 in their last match played at the Eko Atlantic Beach Soccer Stadium on Sunday.

    With the victory Nigeria finished top with 9 points while Senegal was placed 2nd with 6 points.

    The coach Audu Adamu-led side had defeated Germany 7-1 in their opening game before making a hard-fought 10-9 victory over Lebanon in their second game.

    The highly explosive encounter played in front of a mammoth crowd could only produce a goal in the first quarter as the goalkeepers from both teams were able to put up some great saves.

    Sand Eagles forward Babatunde Badmus was able to break the deadlock towards the later stages of the firts quarter, firing from the left flank to beat the Senegalese keeper, Faye Ndongo Sanoy. Both teams could not convert the numerous chances that came their as the quarter ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.

    The second quarter saw both putting their all into the game but with no goal to show for their efforts. Senegal, however, levelled up from a well taken direct kick to beat the Nigerian keeper, Oladapo Olalekan who replaced Abdul Isa to end the 2nd quarter at 1-1.

    Abu Azeez, who had been a torn in the flesh of the Senegalese team, sent the fans into wild jubilation tapping in from close range after being set up by Victor Tale to make it 2-1.

    Two goals in the spate of three minutes from Victor Tale and Ogbonna Emeka saw the Sand Eagles increase the scoreline to 4-1.

    Senegal gave a fightback with Babacar Fall scoring a cracking long-range shot that beat the Nigerian keeper. The goal, however, came in late as the Sand Eagles were able to hold on for the game to end 4-2.

    Kwara United star, Abu Azeez was named the tournament’s MVP. Abu, who had an impressive tournament, scored a hat-trick in the first game and hit the net once in Sunday’s encounter.

  • Why Supersand Eagles threatened NFF at Copa

    Why Supersand Eagles threatened NFF at Copa

    Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles threatened to boycott their last game against Senegal at the just-ended 2013 Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament over unpaid fees.

    Supersport.com exclusively reported that the players held on an open protest shortly after the side beat Lebanon 10-9 in their second encounter at this year’s competition on Saturday.

    The players accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of unfair treatment claiming that they would not honour their last game against African champions, Senegal on Sunday unless something was done immediately.

    “I can’t imagine that this is a national team with the way the NFF are treating us, they are treating us like slaves because they don’t care about us at all.

    “Since we’ve been on ground here in Lagos for this competition, we have not been given a dime as we all carter for ourselves.

    “This is not the first time that we’ve gotten such treatment from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and I think you would remember how we were disgraced in Dubai when we had no money to pay again for our accommodation. We are all grown up men with families and all the NFF would say is that they have no money to give us.

    “They are even thinking of disbanding the team which would be a national disgrace if such happens. We would not play our last game today (Sunday) unless the NFF comes out to appreciate our efforts,” one of the Sand Eagles’ players angrily revealed to supersport.com before their 4-2 victory over Senegal.

    It would be recalled that the NFF had whined that they were in dire straits as far as their financial resources were concerned. Efforts to speak with the president, Aminu Maigari proved futile as he could not be reached on phone.

    The Supersand Eagles lifted the trophy on Sunday after topping their group with nine points from three matches at this year’s Copa Lagos Beach Soccer championship.

  • CHRISTMAS GIFT: Adamu dedicates COPA Lagos title to Jonathan

    CHRISTMAS GIFT: Adamu dedicates COPA Lagos title to Jonathan

    • Awaits Presidential handshake

    Head coach of the Nigerian Beach Soccer team, Supersand Eagles, Audu Adamu has dedicated the COPA Lagos Beach Soccer title to President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The Sand Eagles defeated Senegal 4-2 in the final match to retain their title and a visibly joyous Adamu informed SportingLife that the team is looking forward to meeting the Nigerian President for the first time despite their achievements over the years.

    “Before the start of the competition, I told Nigerians that I would give them a Christmas gift. I know my team, even if Brazil comes here I will win the cup. We’ve been together for six years, the players know themselves and you can see the way they play. When we started this competition we were playing ‘kick-and-follow’ but now we play jogo bonito; they are enjoying themselves and I thank God for that.

    “I dedicate this victory to His Excelency, President Goodluck Jonathan. We’ve never seen him before but I know this time around we will be able to thank him in person. We thank God for helping us to give him a Christmas gift and I hope we get a handshake from him too,”he said.

    Speaking on the match against Senegal, Adamu praised his players for their performance despite the team missing the services of their captain, Isiaka Olawale and striker Batholomew Ibenegbu due to injury.

    “The players were fantastic as usual despite the unavailability of Olawale and Ibenegbu. Their absence was not felt because I have capable replacement for every player”, he said.

  • Nigeria hammer Germany 7-1

    Nigeria hammer Germany 7-1

    •Lebanon stun Senegal 5-4

    Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles started their Copa Lagos defence with a 7-1 win over Germany at the Eko Atlantic Beach Soccer Stadium on Friday.

    Captain Isiaka Olawale opened scoring for coach Audu Adamu led team that showed more experience and flair in their game compared to the Germans.

    Abu Azeez added to the tally after dribbling through the German defence before rounding off the goalkeeper to slot in from close range.

    Azeez then made it 3-0 from a long range shot before completing his hat-trick and Nigeria’s fourth goal by turning round a German defender before putting the ball beyond the on-rushing keeper.

    Sebastian Ullrich, however, reduced the deficit from the spot to end the first quarter at 4-1.

    On resumption of second quarter, Bartholomew Ibenegbu scored his first goal of the tournament to make it 5-1.

    Ogbonaya Okemiri then fired a superb long range shot that caught the keeper unaware.

    Ogbonna Emeka completed the rout in the 3rd quarter to finish the game at7-1.

    Meanwhile Lebanon defeated Africa Beach Soccer champion, Senegal 5-4 in the match played earlier.

  • Copa Lagos Beach Soccer to honour Mandela

    Copa Lagos Beach Soccer to honour Mandela

    Organisers of the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer 2013, Kinetic Sports will honour the late Nelson Mandela in a very special way during the championship between December 13-15.

    The C.E.O of the organisers Samson Adamu said Mandela stood for all the ideals of national transformation that Copa Lagos hopes to consistently achieve.

    He began: Yes, history clearly shows that sports can be used to achieve national transformation. Mandela employed a combination of strategies in confronting South Africa’s system of institutionalised racism and sports ranked high on the list. Mandela realised that sports had a transformative and unifying power that could bring about changes in a way that demonstrations and diplomacy could not.

    “Mandela said: ’Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.’”

    Samson Adamu then revealed the plans to make the 2013 edition the best so far in all ramifications. His words: “COPA Lagos is what we call sports tourism because it is an event that beautifully combines the game of beach soccer as well as strong elements of tourism including our music, fashion, food and our unique hospitality. It is an international tournament which draws beach soccer teams from Africa, Europe and South America competing for the coveted trophy. The competition enjoys massive international and local press coverage including Super Sport and CNN. Through COPA Lagos we are uniting people and redefining our country’s international image.

    “The event is scheduled for December 13-15, 2013 and is the third edition of this thrilling international beach soccer tournament tagged ‘Africa’s biggest beach soccer event’. For lovers of conventional football, beach soccer is an exhilarating presentation of the world’s favourite game and COPA Lagos is an exciting weekend of non-stop action that caters to both sports enthusiasts and fun seekers. Players from Germany, Senegal, Nigeria and Lebanon, will compete for the championship title. We have the celebrity football match featuring likes of Ali Baba and D’ Banj. There is the fashion show and of course the musical concerts with the likes of Olamide. Finally, as part of giving back to our community, we are organising a ‘Clean the beach’ campaign and also school clinics for kids. There would, of course, be a minute’s silence in honor of Mr. Mandela as a mark of respect at the start of each day’s matches.

    “The event is organised by Kinetic Sports and enjoys the support of Beach Soccer Worldwide. We also have a strong brand, FCMB, as our major sponsor as well as supporting sponsors like Eko Atlantic, Super Sport, Cool FM, Jumia, Smirnoff Ice, Sweet Sensation and Nairabet. We believe our collaborative effort on this tournament will strengthen the perception of the local economy and provide visible exposure to a global market,” Samson concluded.

     

  • 2013 BEACH SOCCER: LAWMA, FCMB partner COPA LAGOS

    2013 BEACH SOCCER: LAWMA, FCMB partner COPA LAGOS

    The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has unveiled plans to support COPA Lagos through the provision of its trucks in the COPA Lagos Clean the Beach Campaign.

    COPA Lagos Clean the Beach Campaign is the largest volunteer beach clean-up campaign in Lagos. Volunteers in and from around the city are encouraged to join the organisers, players and sponsors with one goal: preventing hundreds of thousands of pounds of pollution from trashing our oceans and harming marine wildlife.

    Ocean trash is a serious pollution problem that affects the health of people, wildlife and local economies. Trash in the ocean compromises human and wildlife health, which affects the livelihoods of millions all over the planet. The typical beach is littered with pieces of paper, nylon bags, cigarette butt or empty bottles and beer cans which apart from being unsightly will eventually make its way to the ocean. Oceans remain the largest part of our water cycle, generating oxygen and rain necessary to sustain life on Earth.

    According to Michael Smith, Project Manager, COPA Lagos, “Everybody loves the beach, but not everyone respects the beach. Every year, beachgoers leave tons of trash on Lagos beaches and even more washes up from the Atlantic Ocean.

    ”Although the International Coastal Cleanup was marked in September, we feel the need to constantly educate ourselves about the coastal environment and what we can do in our daily lives to solve problems of pollution. Beach debris is not just hideous, it poses a threat to humans and wildlife,” Smith said.

    “LAWMA has done remarkably well to restore our beaches to their former glory; we must cultivate a habit of proper waste disposal. Broken glass and mangled cans endanger those who recreate at the beach and rob us all of a culture of beach leisure,” Smith added.

    “Last year the organisers of the event, the players, officials of our sponsors including FCMB and volunteers cleared the Eko Atlantic beach front of pounds of debris.”

    According to the Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Ola Oresanya, “Our mission at the agency is to provide professional, efficient and sustainable waste management and disposal services to the generality of Lagosians, corporate bodies and Governments (Local and State) in Lagos State.”

  • Preparations in full swing for COPA Lagos 2013

    Preparations in full swing for COPA Lagos 2013

    A packed programme of entertainment will welcome the 2013 COPA Lagos Beach soccer tournament starting December 13 at Eko Atlantic.

    Four international beach soccer teams, cheerleaders, dancers, fashion designers and A-list music artist including three-time NEA (Nigerian Entertainment Awards) award winning hip hop sensation, Olamide, will all play a part in the celebrations as Lagosians head for a weekend to remember.

    Six matches will be played for the clash among Nigeria, Lebanon, Senegal and Germany, meaning an estimated 10,000 fans will be watching the iconic three-day event live.

    The pre-match entertainment runs from 1.00pm to 2pm daily, and kicks off with a tough game in which African world beach soccer qualifier Senegal take on Germany. At half-time, Spanish cheerleading sensation, Personal Plus, will wow the crowds with an exclusive, high-energy routine.

    Project Manager for COPA Lagos, Michael Smith, said: “With just under three weeks to go until the iconic tournament, we’re all really looking forward to giving our spectators, the teams and fans a warm Lagos welcome. Spectators can be sure of an amazing event that’s fun for all whether you are a die-hard football fan drawn to the excitement of a thrilling live game or you are there to enjoy other quality entertainment such as the fashion show,parties and the musical concerts. What we want to create here is our fantastic community spirit which will be showcased to the world.”

    A lot has been going on in the build-up to the iconic tournament, with other pre-event activities including a roadshow set to kick off in December.

    A team of engineers have been moved to Eko Atlantic, venue of the tournament, making sure the site is in the best shape ever for the event.

    Some of corporate Nigeria’s biggest names are booking cabanas within the VIP lounge to entertain guests. Lagos is just about ready to host the big show and even though the event has been sold out in the last two previous tournaments, the organisers are confident there is a way for everyone to participate.

    All you need is a ticket to get in that cost between N1,500 – N2,000 for regular and between N10,000 – N15,000 for VIP tickets which are available at the following locations, Chocolate Royale, the Palms, Lekki, designated Sweet Sensation outlets and Nairabet.com outlets as well as online at Afritickets.com and Jumia.com. According to Smith, “After the game, we’ll have concerts for three nights starting on Friday and going through Sunday as well as fashion.