NOGIG 2016: NNPC, Shell book final ticket as Efenor begs kidnappers
By; Ayo Ojedokun, Lagos.
Defending champions, NNPC and Shell F.C have qualified for the national finals of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) presently going on at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Shell yesterday became the first team to pick a final ticket when they defeated LNG 3-0 before a brace by NNPC’s Abdulahi Umaru handed the title holders a ticket to the final of the NOGIG games due to hold at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos from February 28- March 5, 2016.
NNPC’s Team Manager, Michael Efenor who just retired from active service told NNSports that the victory came as a temporary relief for him having heard the news of the unfortunate kidnap of his 28 years old son, Oritsemajemite in Port Harcourt, Rivers State few minutes before the commencement of the game even as he appealed to the kidnappers to release his son.
Meanwhile Chief Coach of NNPC, Frank Onyiriuka has attributed his team’s good run in the championship to good team spirit.
The defunct ITT, Stationery Stores, Ranchers Bees and NNPC top striker whose team earlier defeated PTI and LNG 2-0 respectively, hinted that the players and officials of the “Oil Boys” work with a perfect understanding and that a rare brotherly spirit exude in and around the field.
Onyiriuka who is hundred percent certain that NNPC would defend the title they won in 2014 said two-nil wins over Petroleum Training Institute and Local Content before Friday’s win over Total were achieved by dint of hard work on and off the field by the technical crew and players captained by Charles Uyi.
He particularly praised the technical crew for the support he has received from them.
“I must commend my great assistants particularly Maigamu Magachu, Emma Sokari and Uche Ibe for their input. Our team Manager, Mike Efenor has shown great courage by defying the sad news of the kidnap of his son to inspire all.
“Together we have been strategizing on how to successfully defend the title. Captain Charles Uyi, Joseph Agbeleghi, goal keeper Azanoh John, Aminu Kazeem and indeed everyone have been fully focused and I’m glad”, concluded Onyiriuka.
