Encomium
The Eko International Cup 2025 officially kicked off yesterday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium) with a vibrant opening ceremony and an electrifying first match between Ikorodu Stars and Shooting Stars, which ended in a thrilling 2–2 draw.
Before the match began, flag bearers paraded the emblems of all participating teams, setting the stage for a week of competitive and community-driven football. Dignitaries including the Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dotun Coker; CEO of Sky-Hi Entertainment and Eko International Cup, Ifeanyi Ogbu; Onome Obruthe, Director, Strategy and Planning, Eko International Cup, and other officials were in attendance, observing from the VIP section.
One of the most notable features of the opening ceremony was the exceptional security presence across the venue, from the entrances to the stands, every corner of the stadium was under the watchful eye of well-deployed security personnel, ensuring a safe and orderly experience for all attendees.
Beyond the game, fans were treated to a variety of experiences around the stadium, including discounted data product sales, games at the MTN stand, and an array of food and drink vendors, creating a festive, family-friendly environment for all.
Speaking on MTN’s sponsorship of the tournament, Friday Okuwe, Senior Manager, Brand, Media, Sponsorship and Marketing, MTN Nigeria, said: “For us at MTN Nigeria, this partnership goes beyond football, it’s about unity, talent development, and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. We’re proud to support the Eko International Cup and remain committed to working with stakeholders to nurture the next generation of football talent.”
With eight days of action ahead, the Eko International Cup 2025 has officially begun, uniting fans, teams, and partners in a celebration of sportsmanship, youth empowerment, and community spirit.
