It was a thrilling evening of football, entertainment, and giving back as the Troost-Ekong Foundation held the second edition of its charity football match on Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
The event, aimed at supporting underprivileged children, brought together an exciting mix of football stars, entertainers, and celebrities. Team Green triumphed 7–5 during regular play, but it was Team White who claimed bragging rights after winning the ceremonial penalty shootout that followed.
Leading Team White was Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who was joined by top names like Victor Boniface, Obafemi Martins, Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, and former Cameroon star Alex Song. Musicians Zlatan and Bobo also featured prominently.
Team Green showcased a strong line-up with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Joseph Yobo, Moses Simon, and Brown Ideye. The team also featured top entertainers including AY Comedian, Brodda Shaggi, and ODUMODUBLVCK.
The match started with plenty of flair. In the 12th minute, a dazzling solo run by Prince caused problems for the Team Green defence. Kelechi Iheanacho made an early appearance and quickly set up Ahmed Musa, who was denied by a brilliant save from Nwabali.
Moments later, Musa earned a penalty after being clipped by the goalkeeper, and Boniface converted coolly to put Team White 1–0 ahead.
Team Green responded in style. AY Comedian equalised with a low shot following a neat assist from Ndidi. Sikiru Alimi made it 3–1, before ODUMODUBLVCK scored a stunning solo goal and signalled to the bench for a substitution, declaring “mission complete.”
Team White fought back as Prince delivered a perfect outside-the-boot cross for Iheanacho to make it 4–2. Ndidi tapped in to restore Team Green’s cushion at 6–3, followed by a close-range finish from Ideye to extend the lead further.
Martins sparked a late comeback with a goal for Team White, and an own goal by Chucks, who accidentally redirected a cross into his own net and celebrated with a hilarious Ronaldo-style “Siuuu,” reduced the deficit to 7–5.
Though Team Green won in regular time, the evening concluded with a fun penalty shootout, which Team White won thanks to composed finishes from Boniface, Zlatan, and Yemo Lee. Team Green missed twice through Shehu Dikko and Ideye.
AY Comedian stole the show, scoring twice and earning the Man of the Match award.
“I’m very, very happy,” AY told the media “I promised my followers I was going to score, and I did not just score one, I scored two. To top it off, I got Man of the Match. This is good!”
The charity match once again demonstrated the power of sport and celebrity influence in uplifting communities, with the Troost-Ekong Foundation using the platform to inspire hope and support for vulnerable children.
