NPA beats TICT 3-2, as 2016 Maritime Cup begins

The eighth edition of the 2016 Maritime Cup competition, tagged ‘’Ships and Ports Soccer Challenge,’’ kicked off on Tuesday at the NIS Pitch, National Stadium Surulere Lagos, with Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) defeating TICT, Tincan Terminal 3-2.

The game was heralded by a colourful march past by the participating teams.

Speaking to The Guardian at the event, CEO of Ships and Ports, a maritime company, Bolaji Akinola, said his firm decided to organise the football fiesta to foster cooperation and good working relationship among staffers of private and government maritime firms in the country.

Akinola said the football championship has recorded a big success over the years, as more maritime companies have joined the championship since it started in 2009.

He noted that all maritime firms in Nigeria also have a role to play in assisting to develop sports in the country, adding that his organisation was on course to venture into other sports.

“I am happy that the 2016 Maritime Cup has kicked off on a good note. The championship, which started with a few teams, now has eight companies participating in the championship. As you can see the football competition is to create a viable relationship and love between the private and government maritime organizations.

“We are delighted that our aim has been achieved so far. Strict screening has been put in place to ensure ineligible players are not injected to the competition. Also officiating will not be a problem, as we have invited referees from the Nigeria Referees Association to officiate the matches .I thank all the participating companies for their interest in the football fiesta,’’ he said.

The matches of the championship will be held in NIS Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos and NPA Sports Ground, Bode Thomas Street , Surulere, Lagos.