The annual Sports Writers association of Nigeria Football Competition started on Wednesday at the New Gymnasium of the National Stadium on a glamorous note.
Veteran sports writers defeated the female sports writers 3-2 in a novelty match that stole the show on the opening day of the big event.
Skilful veterans like Larry Izamoje, Michel Obi, Paul Ogazi, Tony Ubani, Jenkins Alumona, Emiko Bake, James Agori and Phil Balepo were on parade in the highly entertaining encounter. Spectators were shocked with the skills exhibited by the veterans.
Aisha Falode led the female team which used all the tricks in the book in an attempt to beat their male colleagues. Nneka Anibeze, Herienta Nwadike, Monica Ikheaguam and Chisom Mbonu were other ladies in the female team under the tutelage of coach Ben Alaiya.
Izamoje, Alumona and Ubani were the scorers for the veterans in the match in which keeper Mbonu emerged the Most Valuable Player for making vitals saves for her side.
Obi, skipper of the veterans, has vowed to protest to world football governing body FIFA because Ikheaguam dribbled and scored with her hand.
"We enjoyed the match but we want to put the record straight. We planned to beat them with a tennis score like 6-0 but when they turned the game into handball it became difficult. They were also holding us, embracing us on the pitch and the referee allowed it. We are reporting this to FIFA. I am proud of my team for putting up a great performance," Obi said.
