The Ships & Ports Maritime Cup Competition, the highly anticipated annual football competition among Nigeria’s maritime industry stakeholders, witnessed a day of drama, intensity, and sheer football brilliance on Monday, 21st October 2024, at the iconic NPA Sports Ground, Surulere, Lagos.
Three matches were played in dramatic fashion, offering an unforgettable spectacle for fans and players alike. From hard-fought victories to shocking walkovers, the day had it all.
The day’s first match kicked off at 9 am, pitting Apapa Bulk Terminal Ltd (ABTL) against ENL Consortium in a Group A clash that was nothing short of explosive. ENL Consortium claimed a commanding 4-0 victory, sealing their spot in the quarterfinals with a perfect six points from two matches.
The match, refereed by Adekoya Warith, was filled with drama from the opening whistle. ENL Consortium wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Gabriel Isaac, wearing jersey number 18, finding the back of the net just eight minutes into the game. A well-taken free kick from Isaac caught the ABTL goalkeeper off guard, setting the tone for what would become a difficult outing for his side.
ABTL struggled to regain composure, but ENL Consortium continued to press forward with relentless energy. Their efforts paid off again in the 33rd minute when Najite Moses calmly slotted home their second goal, capitalising on a defensive lapse from ABTL.
As the second half began, the intensity of the match escalated. Just eight minutes into the half, ABTL’s number 5, Muritala Yusuf, was shown a straight red card for a rough tackle on an ENL striker, leaving his team to fend off their dominant opponents with only ten men. The situation worsened for ABTL in the 76th minute when midfielder Manuba Chima, already on a yellow card from the 32nd minute, received his second caution for deliberately tripping an opponent. Chima’s dismissal from the field of play reduced ABTL to just nine players.
ENL Consortium capitalised on their numerical advantage with clinical precision. Timothy Aleginine added a third goal in the 2nd minute of the second half, followed by a well-placed finish from Udoh Daniel in the 33rd minute, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
With two wins in two matches, ENL Consortium sit comfortably at the top of Group A, securing their quarterfinal berth and sending a clear message to the rest of the competition.
The second match of the day, slated to be between the National Inland Waters Authority (NIWA) and the Nigerian Navy, took a surprising turn. Fans who had gathered to witness the clash were left in disbelief as the Nigerian Navy failed to appear for the game. As per tournament rules, NIWA was awarded a 3-0 walkover victory, boosting their standing in Group A without having to kick a ball. This victory injects fresh hope into their campaign after their loss to ENL Consortium last week.
The final match of the day saw an electrifying encounter between APM Terminals and Comet Shipping, two Group B rivals. Played under the sweltering afternoon sun at 3 pm, both teams struggled to break the deadlock during a tightly contested first half. However, the second half saw Comet Shipping come alive, delivering a footballing masterclass to secure a 3-0 victory.
The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute, when Comet Shipping’s attacking play finally bore fruit. With swift passes and clever movement, their forward found the net, sending their supporters into wild celebrations. Just nine minutes later, in the 82nd minute, Comet doubled their lead. Comet scored their third and final goal in the 89th minute, capping off a commanding performance.
Comet Shipping’s second-half surge not only earned them a win but also underscored their intent to challenge for top honours in the tournament. They now stand in strong contention for a quarterfinal spot, adding even more excitement to Group B.
Looking Ahead: High-Stakes Matches Await
As the dust settles on Monday’s gripping encounters, the Ships & Ports Maritime Cup promises even more excitement in the coming days. Today, three decisive matches will be played, each with high stakes as teams scramble to secure their places in the knockout stages.
At 9 am, Group B’s Nigerian Shippers’ Council will lock horns with five-time champions, Nigeria Customs Service, in what is expected to be a clash of titans at the NPA Sports Ground.
Customs, known for their pedigree and experience, will be looking to add another victory to their glittering history, while the Shippers’ Council seeks to upset the odds.
Meanwhile, in Group C, Dangote Ports Operations will face off against the 2010 champions, Micura Stevedoring Services, at 12 noon at the Stable Sports Complex. Both teams have strong tournament histories, and this encounter promises to be fiercely contested.
The day’s action will be rounded off with a 3 pm showdown between Trucks Transit Parks and defending champions, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), back at the NPA Sports Ground. NPA will be eager to show why they are the reigning champions, but Trucks Transit Parks, buoyed by their fighting spirit, will aim to spring a surprise.
Monday’s Ships & Ports Maritime Cup matches delivered the kind of drama, passion, and footballing skill that has come to define this prestigious tournament. From ENL Consortium’s emphatic win to Comet Shipping’s second-half heroics, the day was a reminder of how unpredictable and thrilling the sport can be. With more matches on the horizon and the stakes getting higher, the Maritime Cup promises even more exhilarating moments in the days to come. Let the games continue!