African footballers play testimonial match for Ambode

A galaxy of African football legends converged on Agege Stadium in
Lagos on Saturday for the testimonial match in honour of outgoing Gov.
Akinwunmi Ambode.

Ambode with the African and Nigerian soccer legends

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambode’s “The Match”
attracted an unprecedented high number of retired African football
stars, compared to past testimonial matches played in Nigeria.

“The Match” was between Nigerian stars and African Legends and
included an array of African stars such as Stephen Appiah from Ghana,
Titi Camara, Khalou Fadiga.

Others are Lomana Lualua, Seydou Keita and former African Footballer of the Year, El Hadji Diouf of Senegal.

The African Legends were coached by Nigeria’s Fanny Amun.

For the Nigerian greats, ace dribbler, Jay Jay Okocha led others such
as Mutiu Adepoju, Uche Okechukwu, Garba Lawal, goalkeeper Peter Rufai,
Nwankwo Kanu, Augustine Eguavoen and Ike Shorunmu.

Other players were ace comedian, Ayo Makun (AY), Daniel Amokachi,
Tijani Babangida, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, Julius
Aghahowa and Obafemi Martins.

They were coached by the Atlanta 96 Gold Medalist Coach, Jo Bonfere.

The highly entertaining match ended 4-4.

The African Stars goal scorers were Titi Camara and El Hadji Diouf
who both scored a brace, while Kanu Nwankwo, Garba Lawal, Obafemi
Martins and Ayo Makun scored for Nigerian stars.

El Hadji Diouf, former African Footballer of the Year, and the Most
Valuable Player (MVP) of the game, said he was delighted to be part of
the history.

“I am happy to be part of this match because I have great respect for
Nigerians and their footballers whom I have met and played with.

“I know that Nigerians love the game of football, hence it is good to come here and honour the governor,” he said.

NAN reports that Gov. Ambode was inducted into the Hall of Fame by
President General of Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo,
who described the governor as someone who truly has passion for sports.

Also in attendance were the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim
Dankwambo, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Kweku Tandoh
and some Lagos State commissioners.