Arsenal vs Kebbi Copa Lagos
Stakeholders in Nigerian sports have commended First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for its unwavering commitment towards promoting youth development over the years. They also urged the company, which partnered with Kinetic Sports to deliver a well-attended Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament, to continue its commitment to the country’s sports development.
The Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament ended on December 10 at the Eko Atlantic Beach Soccer stadium, Victoria Island.The 2017 edition, which was won by Spain after defeating Nigeria 6-5 in the final match, marked the seventh consecutive year the bank has been the headline sponsor of the tournament. Other countries that participated in the tournament were Lebanon, Morocco as well as the beach soccer teams of Arsenal Football Club of England, Pepsi Football Academy of Nigeria, Kebbi BSC and Gidi Sharks of Lagos.
The Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Deji Tinubu said the FCMB has successfully leveraged its sponsorship of the annual sports fiesta to further promote sports, unity, excitement, healthy living and empowerment among youths as well as the generality of Nigerians. According to him, “FCMB has been fantastic going by its commitment to COPA Lagos. Sports is very key in building national cohesion and development. With corporate organisations such as FCMB behind this competition, I believe it will continue to get better and more glamorous. We also look forward to partnering with the Bank in other initiatives that would promote sports and other benefits in Lagos State.’’
Also, a former executive committee member of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Dr. Amos Adamu, described the bank as, “an outstanding pillar of support and lover of Beach soccer. The fact that FCMB has been standing by the organisers of this competition this number of years and the extra values it adds every year speaks volume about the Bank’s commitment.’’
In addition, a former Super Eagles of Nigeria star, Victor Agali said the COPA Lagos has become a kind of festival and every year it gets better, just as he hailed the bank for its roles at promoting sports development.The one-time Schalke 04 Football Cub of Germany striker, noted, ‘’the action of FCMB demonstrates that it means well for the youths and sport, because beach soccer is an exciting game that has the capacity to awaken interest and help our youths to succeed’’.
Explaining the rationale for sponsoring COPA Lagos Beach Soccer, the Managing Director of FCMB, Mr. Adam Nuru, said it is a further proof of the Bank’s unflinching support to the development of sports, youths and overall national development.
According to him, “the involvement of the FCMB brand in this prestigious global event since 2011 is an expression of our corporate philosophy to always connect with and develop sustainable relationships with the youth and people across demographic and socio-economic classes. It is to enhance national development. We are proud of the fact that our sponsorship of the tournament has raised the popularity and status of beach soccer in Nigeria and tourism, going by the large turnout of spectators and other dignitaries within and outside Nigeria that have been watching the football matches and other lifestyle events associated with the tournament at this festive season.’’
Mr. Nuru noted that, “sports, particularly the game of soccer, is a key passion point and a unifier among various age groups worldwide. Beach Soccer provides the platform in terms of entertainment, bonding and networking opportunities. So, when these are merged, we are given the right platform to reach our customers and Nigerians across all segments.’’
Apart from the excitement, which FCMB built around the football matches, the bank also provided guests and customers that attended the three-day fiesta with a special VIP treat at its hospitality lounge. Guests and spectators were provided with the opportunity to experience the unique banking services of FCMB.
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