Today, as the clock strikes 3 p.m., the 14th edition of the Ships & Ports Maritime Cup Competition officially begins, ushering in yet another chapter of the most anticipated annual sporting event within Nigeria’s maritime industry. This tournament, now a beloved fixture in the sector’s calendar, is not only the oldest surviving industry sporting competition in Nigeria but also the sole tournament exclusively dedicated to maritime stakeholders. The tournament’s enduring success is a resounding tribute to Ships & Ports Communication Company’s unwavering dedication to fostering unity, teamwork, and spirited competition within Nigeria’s maritime industry, solidifying the company’s position as the country’s premier maritime public relations and media firm.
The 2024 edition of the Maritime Cup Competition is particularly special as it features 12 teams, representing diverse organisations from across the maritime spectrum. In Group A, we have the distinguished 2009 champions, the Nigerian Navy, who are joined by Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the formidable 2019 champions, ENL Consortium Limited. Group B promises an intense lineup as well, with five-time champions Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), APM Terminals, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria contending for the top spot. Finally, Group C presents defending champions, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in a match-up with 2010 champions Micura Stevedoring Services, Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), and Dangote Ports Operation. Each of these teams brings with them a unique blend of skills, passion, and ambition, and we commend them for their dedication in joining this year’s competition.
This tournament is more than a series of matches. It is an opportunity for maritime professionals to build relationships, foster teamwork, and find common ground beyond their daily roles. Year after year, the Ships & Ports Maritime Cup Competition reminds us of the unifying power of sports. It has become a rallying point for employees across different organisations, providing them a chance to showcase their talents on the field and share in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. Such unity is critical, as it nurtures a collaborative spirit that enhances the industry’s overall resilience and effectiveness.
To the FIFA-badge professional referees and members of the Lagos State Referees Council, we extend our utmost appreciation. Your expertise and professionalism are invaluable in maintaining the integrity of this tournament. We trust that you will officiate each match with fairness and accuracy, setting an example for all to follow.
And to the fans who will turn out to support their teams, we remind you of the significance of maintaining decorum and showing respect to all participants, officials, and fellow spectators. Cheer for your team with enthusiasm, but do so in the spirit of sportsmanship. The beauty of this competition lies in the bonds it creates, and those bonds must be honoured with mutual respect. Celebrate the wins, and remember that even in defeat, there is honour and the valuable lesson that effort and dedication are never wasted. In every match, let’s celebrate not only the skills displayed on the pitch but also the resilience and dedication that each team has invested in their preparation.
The Ships & Ports Maritime Cup Competition has consistently delivered on its objectives of fostering unity, collaboration, and healthy competition across the maritime industry. It provides a rare opportunity for industry players to break away from the intensity of daily operations and engage in a pursuit that brings out the best of our humanity. As the sector faces evolving challenges and opportunities, these qualities are more essential than ever, strengthening our ability to work together in realising shared goals for Nigeria’s maritime future.
This competition belongs to everyone involved—the participating agencies and organisations, players, coaches, officials, fans, and all supporters from the wider maritime community. Today, we celebrate the shared values that unite us and look forward to a series of matches that will be played with passion, pride, and respect for the spirit of the game. As the 14th edition unfolds, let us remember that the real victory lies in the connections forged and the lessons learned on and off the field.
Congratulations once again to all participating teams. May this tournament be a resounding success, both in fostering unity within our industry and in providing a platform for the incredible talent that exists within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Let the games begin, and may the best team triumph in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie!
Source: Ships&Ports