By Chinedu Eze
Two early goals in quick succession in the first half and a late consolatory goal in the second half confirmed the Directorate of Human Resources (DHR) champions of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Inter-Directorate Unity Cup at the weekend.
The final between the defending champions of the tournament, Dunoma FC and the DHR saw the new
For emerging new champions, DHR took away the N1.2 million prize money at stake to the delight of cheering fans in the final match played at the Murtala Muhammed Airport School sports ground.
The DHR scored its brace through Jimmy Joel with the DHR controlling the whole of the first half. After substitution in the second half, Dunoma FC picked up the tempo and scored the consolation goal through substitute Cyril Ezeama.
Director, Commercial and Business Development (DCBD), Alhaji Sadiku Rafindadi who represented the Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, said before kick off that
as the name of the competition implies, “the Unity Cup is meant to bring FAAN staff together as a family through sports and also help project physical fitness in the agency.â€
Rafindadi also said that football was the obvious choice because the nation as a whole is passionate about the game. He admits FAAN also has plans to include basketball in future events.
Also speaking at the event, ex Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju dubbed ‘The Head Master’ in his active days in football, commended FAAN for its contribution to the development of the game, stating that the competition was an avenue to scout talents and support them to greatness.
According to him, the level of the competition was high and showcased a lot of raw talents that could be harnessed and brought to the fore to represent the nation.
At the end of the match, awards were presented to outstanding players of the competition by the representative of the managing director and the Guest of honour, ex-Nigerian international, Mutiu Adepoju as well as General Manager, Corporate Communication, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu.
Muhammed Abdullahi was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) while Sunday Elijah of DHR won Best goalkeeper award. The Directorate of Commercial and Business Development won the Fair Play award of the tournament.
