In a riveting Group B match at the 14th edition of the Ships & Ports Maritime Cup Competition, Comet Shipping Agencies stunned the crowd with a 1-1 draw against five-time champions, Nigeria Customs Service.
The match, played at the Stable Sports Complex in Surulere, Lagos, saw Comet Shipping—a team many considered unlikely to challenge Customs—put on a determined display that sent waves through the tournament’s ranks.
The game began with Comet showing unexpectedly robust form, outpacing early doubts with disciplined defence and precise passing.
The match reached a boiling point in the 22nd minute when Comet’s centre forward, Richard Onyema, found the back of the net, sending the underdog’s supporters into jubilant celebrations.
The one-goal lead, however, was short-lived. Just seven minutes later, Customs’ midfielder, Sani Bwari, levelled the score, striking a firm shot past Comet’s goalkeeper.
As the first half unfolded, the atmosphere remained intense, with both teams pushing hard to take control.
Referee Yusuf Gbemisola kept a close watch over the play, and tension culminated in a series of disciplinary actions.
Comet’s right full-back, Lucky Othadake, received a yellow card in the 37th minute for a deliberate handball, while Customs’ winger, Gidado Usman, was similarly penalised for a reckless challenge in the 28th minute. Substitute Christian Nwabueze of Customs also joined the booking list in the 74th minute for a rough tackle, adding to the match’s fierce undercurrent.
Despite the tension and physicality, neither side could find the elusive winning goal.
Customs’ relentless efforts to secure victory were met by an equally resilient Comet defence, resulting in a stalemate that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
With this result, Nigeria Customs Service remains at the top of Group B with seven points and a +3 goal difference from their three matches, having previously defeated APM Terminals Apapa 2-0 on October 16 and Nigerian Shippers’ Council 2-1 on October 22.
Comet Shipping is holding on to the second spot in Group B, closing with four points and a +2 goal difference. Their campaign included a narrow 1-2 loss to Nigerian Shippers’ Council on October 17 and a 3-0 victory over APM Terminals Apapa on October 21.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager for the next round of matches, set to resume on Monday, October 28.
Group B’s Nigerian Shippers’ Council will face APM Terminals Apapa at 9 a.m. in the Stable Sports Complex, Surulere, while in Group C, defending champions Nigerian Ports Authority will battle Dangote Ports Operations at noon.
The day’s action will conclude with the tournament’s last group match, as Micura Stevedoring Services faces Trucks Transit Parks (TTP) at 3 p.m. at the NPA Sports Complex in Surulere.
Today’s performance by Comet Shipping demonstrates the unpredictable excitement that has come to define this year’s Maritime Cup, as underdogs continue to rise to the occasion and champions are challenged in unexpected ways.
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