In the lush midday sun of the vibrant pitch at the Stable Sports Complex, Surulere, Lagos, Group A’s final matches in the 2024 Ships & Ports Maritime Cup resumed today, electrifying the air after a two-day hiatus.
Amid an atmosphere brimming with anticipation and echoes of fierce maritime rivalry, both ENL Consortium and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) seized their places in the quarterfinals, each carrying forth distinct stories of grit, skill, and strategic brilliance.
ENL Consortium emerged victorious over the Nigerian Navy without so much as a touch of the ball. A historic walkover granted ENL Consortium a 3-0 win as the Nigerian Navy recorded its first no-show since 2009.
With a solid nine points, three wins, and a clean slate of nine goals without conceding any, ENL Consortium has distinguished itself as a relentless force in this year’s tournament. Their journey to the quarterfinals has been a masterclass in calculated strength and cohesive team play.
ENL’s earlier performances hinted at their potential for dominance. In their opening match, a tightly contested 1-0 victory over NIWA revealed their strategic defence and unyielding resolve. This momentum surged forward into their next game, where they defeated Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) with an emphatic 4-0 win. These combined feats underline their prowess, cementing their position atop Group A and marking them as a formidable contender as they prepare to clash with the best in the next stage.
The day’s second fixture—a face-off between NIWA and ABTL—provided an enthralling and balanced display of skill and tenacity.
NIWA struck first, netting a decisive goal in the opening half, a moment that showcased their offensive agility and coordination.
ABTL, however, rallied with resilience, equalising in the second half to keep the game alive until the final whistle.
The hard-fought 1-1 draw put NIWA at second place in the Group A standings with four points and a +2 goal difference, edging out ABTL, who finished with a -1 goal differential.
With today’s matches, Group A’s curtain falls with an air of dramatic finality, setting the stage for ENL Consortium and NIWA to advance, each with unique tactical strengths.
As the 2024 Ships & Ports Maritime Cup marches on, the battles ahead promise to unfold with even greater intensity.
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