Applebee FC and Primal Sporting are set to face off in the highly anticipated inaugural final of the Lagos Liga 2024, with a grand prize of ₦50 million at stake.
Both teams secured their spots in the championship match by defeating celebrity-backed sides Tacha FC and 30BG FSC in the semifinals at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Applebee FC was the first to book their spot in the final, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over Tacha FC, owned by former Big Brother Naija star, Tacha.
After a relatively goalless first half, David Onuche opened the scoring in the 26th minute. The momentum quickly shifted in Applebee’s favor as Favour Anieke doubled their lead with a well-executed team play just minutes later. Afolabi Samad then sealed the win with a clinical strike, extending the scoreline to 3-0.
Tacha FC made an attempt to grab a consolation goal in the closing stages, but their effort was disallowed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed a handball in the buildup.
In the second semifinal, Primal Sporting delivered an equally impressive performance, defeating 30BG SC, the team owned by music icon, Davido by the same 3-0 margin.
Despite 30BG’s early offensive push, Gulani Abdulmalik put Primal ahead with a composed finish. The second half saw further goals from Jonah Apollos and Aliyu Tafida, the latter capitalizing on a rebound to seal the win.
Goalkeepers played pivotal roles in this match. Primal’s Sunday Stephen made critical saves to preserve his team’s lead, while 30BG’s Opeyemi Joseph prevented an even wider defeat with an outstanding display.
The stage is now set for an electrifying final between two of the competition’s standout teams set for 5pm today. Applebee FC and Primal Sporting have both showcased remarkable form and resilience, and fans can expect an intense battle for the Lagos Liga 2024 crown.
