The 2025 Ships & Ports Maritime Cup Tournament is set for a grand finale as five-time champions, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and three-time winners, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), popularly known as the Dantsoho Jets, secured convincing semi-final victories on Monday at the Stable Sports Complex, Surulere, Lagos. Their victories confirm a highly anticipated championship clash between two of the competition’s most successful and consistent teams.
This year’s tournament, which kicked off on 4th November with 10 participating teams from across Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector, has been widely regarded as one of the most competitive editions to date.
Both NPA and Customs were drawn into Group B, a pool many described as the “Group of Death”, featuring fellow former champions ENL Consortium, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and LTT Coastal and Marine Services.
The group stage produced some of the tournament’s finest football, with every match intensely fought and several fixtures decided by narrow margins.
NPA emerged unbeaten at the top of the group with 10 points from four matches, combining tactical discipline with an efficient attack. Customs followed closely with nine points, suffering their only defeat in a tightly contested 1–0 loss to NPA on 7 November.
Throughout the group stage, both sides demonstrated exceptional consistency, registering solid defensive records and showcasing impressive attacking quality.
In the first semi-final, played at 1pm yesterday, the Nigeria Customs Service delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over defending champions Comet Shipping. After a tense, goalless first half, Customs forward Abubakar Mikail took centre stage in the second half, scoring all three goals in the 51st, 72nd, and 91st minutes to complete his first hat-trick of the tournament.
A crucial moment came in the 72nd minute when the Comet goalkeeper was penalised for handling the ball outside the penalty area, giving Customs a dangerous set-piece opportunity that Mikail expertly converted.
Though Comet battled with determination and created numerous attacking moves, they met a resolute Customs defence that refused to yield. The match drew a record crowd, reflecting the rising enthusiasm surrounding the competition.
The second semi-final, played at 3pm at the same venue, saw the Dantsoho Jets of NPA defeat former champions Micura Services by an identical 3–0 scoreline.
Micura began the match on the front foot, pressing high and crafting several promising opportunities. Their CEO, Chief Michael Ubogu, featured in the starting line-up and made notable contributions from midfield. Despite their bright start, Micura were unable to find the breakthrough.
NPA’s persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Okobi Lotanna opened the scoring. The goal rattled Micura’s defensive shape and NPA capitalised, with Bello Ibrahim doubling the lead ten minutes later.
Ibrahim sealed victory with his second goal late in the match, confirming NPA’s place in their fifth Maritime Cup final.
Like the earlier fixture, this semi-final was witnessed by a large and lively crowd, reinforcing the tournament’s growing popularity.
Tomorrow’s final promises to be a high-octane encounter as Customs and NPA meet for the second time in this year’s tournament. With NPA having edged their group-stage meeting 1–0, Customs will be eager to avenge their only defeat of the competition, while NPA seek to maintain their upper hand and claim a fourth title.
The match is scheduled for 3pm at the Stable Sports Complex, Surulere. The third-place match between Micura Services and Comet Shipping will take place earlier at 1pm at the same venue.
Football fans across the maritime industry and beyond look forward to what is expected to be an electrifying conclusion to one of the tournament’s most memorable editions.
For more information on the tournament, visit the official Maritime Cup website: www.maritimecup.com.