Falana & Falana yesterday defeated Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL) 1-0 to emerge the new champions of the 2016 BOA Lawyers’ Football Tournament.
In a tension soaked final game at the Astroturf 2000 arena in Ikoyi, Lagos, the lone goal by Akin Dada in the first half was all Falana & Falana needed to dethrone Agbakoba.
After a first half that was dominated by OAL, the second stanza was filled with bile as hard tackles on both sides led to caution cards from the two referees in the five-a-side game. With minutes to end of the game, tournament’s top scorer, Falana’s Tayo Fatusin was sent off for a second yellow card. Moments later, skipper of the side, Stanley was equally sent off. Although another player was introduced to replace Fatusin after three minutes wait.
But the team from Ikeja GRA held on resiliently to smile away with the ultimate trophy.
Principal Partner of Falana & Falana, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) who watched the proceeds from the stand expressed his happiness with the victory.
“This is great, although the officiating of this final was poor, I am happy that both teams that played in the final are human rights advocate. As is normal in every sport, a winner must emerge. I am glad we did,” Falana told THISDAY.
Although he admitted to handsomely reward the team, he did not disclose what form it will be. “ That is exclusive for now.”
To reach the final, Falana & Falana penultimate weekend defeated Aluko & Oyebode 2-0 in the semi final with Tayo Fatusin and Tony Ajadi’s ninth and 18th-minute goals respectively separating the sides.
Falana had similarly sent packing former champions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice (LSMJ) by the same margin with Fatusin also accounting for both goals.
In the third place match yesterday, Tayo Oyetibo/Bayo Osipitan defeated Aluko & Oyebode 1-0 to pick the bronze.
The Bankole Olumide Aluko Football Tournament (BOA), also known as Lawyers’ League, is held in memory of the late lawyer, Bankole Olumide Aluko, a founding partner in the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode, who passed on 14 years ago.
