The 2014 edition of the COPA Lagos
Beach Soccer tournament, sponsored by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited,
came to a colourful and impressive end yesterday with the Group Managing
Director/Chief Executive of the Bank, Mr. Ladi Balogun, assuring of its
commitment to continuously support initiatives that will promote the well-being
of Nigerians and the country at large. Cote D'ivoire won the trophy this year
and one of its players, Daniel Kouassitchi, emerged as the most valuable
player. Three times champions, The Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria, came second.
The tournament, which kicked-off on Friday at the Eko Atlantic Beach Soccer
stadium, featured the Beach Soccer teams of Cote D’ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and
Nigeria. The Beach soccer teams of Barcelona Football Club of Spain, Enyimba
Football Club, Stationery Stores Football Club and Pepsi Academy; all of
Nigeria, also participated. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Balogun explained
that, ‘’FCMB’s involvement in this tournament is part of our contributions to
sports development. It also provided us an avenue to bring our customers,
Nigerians, soccer fans, families, players and other stakeholders together in an
atmosphere of relaxation, excitement and bonding which are very important to
healthy living and nation building. He added that, ‘’Beach Soccer is becoming
more popular in Nigeria. We believe that our sponsorship of the tournament in the
last four years has helped to raise the profile of the game going by the large
turnout of spectators and other dignitaries that have been watching the
matches. This tournament has become one of the most exciting events not just
this festive season but during the year’’.
While commending the organisers
(Kinetic Sports Limited), the players and spectators for ensuring the success
of the tournament, Mr. Balogun stated that, ‘’we will continue to facilitate
initiatives that would add value to people and the society’’. Apart from the
excitement which FCMB built around the football matches, the Bank also treated
guests and customers that attended the 3-day soccer fiesta to a VIP treatment
at its hospitality lounge. Among the dignitaries that registered their presence
at the lounge were seasoned sports administrator, Dr. Amos Adamu, Alhaji Rafiu
Ladipo and Fanny Amun. FCMB also hosted former footballs stars like Samson
Siasia, Peter Rufai, Victor Ikpeba, among others, at the lounge. Guests and spectators were also
provided with opportunity to experience the unique banking services of FCMB as
the sales team of the Bank was on ground to showcase its array of valued-added
products and services. There was also an ATM installed at the venue by the Bank
for easy access to cash and other financial transactions. Other highlights of this year’s
tournament were celebrity match that featured the GMD/CEO of FCMB, Mr. Balogun.
Soccer stars such as, Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Peter Rufai, Taribo West,
Austin Eguavoen also played with celebrities like Ali Baba, Ayo Makun (alias
AY) and Fred Amata. The tournament also witnessed fashion show and concert
with performance from top rated artistes.
Commenting on this year’s
tournament, the President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club,
Alhaji Rafiu Ladipo, expressed excitement at the growing status of beach soccer
in Nigeria and the support provided by corporate bodies like FCMB. According to
him, "beach soccer has come to stay and I sincerely want to thank the
organisers of this tournament, FCMB, 1960BET, Pepsi and the other sponsors for
living up to expectation". Also speaking, former Super Eagles of Nigeria
goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, said, "this year's competition was well organized
and a memorable experience for me’’. He commended FCMB for its roles at
promoting sports development. According to him, ‘’the action of the Bank
demonstrates that it means well for the youths and sport, because beach soccer
is an exciting game that has the capacity to effectively engage our youths to
realise and fulfill their potentials. The involvement of FCMB and other
sponsors in COPA Lagos have made the tournament more glamorous’’. First City Monument Bank (FCMB)
Limited is a member of FCMB Group Plc, which is one of the leading financial
services institutions in Nigeria with subsidiaries that are market leaders in
their respective segments. Having successfully transformed to a retail and
commercial banking-led group, FCMB expects to continue to distinguish itself by
delivering exceptional services, while enhancing the growth and achievement of
personal and business aspirations of its customers
