Although Ibrahim Hafiz saw the back of the net, his side Ojodu City were stopped by Beyond Limits who have now progressed to the final of the Viareggio Cup ongoing in Italy.
Beyond Limits took the lead in 3rd minute through their striker, Kparobo Arierhi but it was short lived as the man of the moment, Ibrahim, got the equaliser in the 14th minute to bring his goal tally to ten.
Isaac Chukwudi’s 55th minute header set the game beyond the reach of Ojodu Tigers as the match ended 2-1. The Sky Blues will confront Congolese side, Centre National Brazzaville who recorded a slim 1-0 victory over Mavlon FC in the other semi final fixture.
Meanwhile, Hafiz Ibrahim currently tops the tournament’s goal chart with his ten goals netting two hat-tricks in between.
What the Coaches Said:
Ogunbanjo Olawale, Head Coach Ojodu City FC said in an interview with the ViareggioCup media team: “Good game for both teams, good intensity,”he said.
“We gave everything but just little moment changed the result. We are proud of our performance and ourselves. We made a mark in the tournament and I’ll congratulate the winning team.”
“It is a good exposure for the boys and myself as the coach. It is a good learning experience for me and the boys. It’s a step ahead in our various careers. Good luck to whoever wins the tournament.”
Ajibolade Olumide, Beyond Limits Head Coach: “I feel very happy and proud of the team, of our effort so far in the tournament,” he said.
“I think Ojodu City were worthy competitors, we had to dig in very deep to get this result. They should be proud of themselves and it is their first time coming to Europe and playing in the semis of the Viareggio Cup. It is a journey they should be proud of.”
“Of course in a game someone has to win and today we won but it doesn’t take anything away from the effort that they put in. It was a display of the Nigerian mentality put in by both of us and I’m sure that Nigerians back home are proud of the display.”
The final match between Beyond Limits and Centre National Brazzaville is scheduled to take place on Monday 26 February 2024.
