Ikorodu City, Smart City Set for Eko International Cup Final Showdown

The curtain will fall on the Eko International Cup on Sunday with an all-Lagos final between Ikorodu City and Smart City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, as both sides aim to wrap up their pre-season on a high.

Smart City booked their spot in the final with a flawless run in Group B, picking up six points from two matches. They opened their campaign with a commanding 3-1 win over 36 Lions before pulling off a major upset by narrowly defeating NPFL side Remo Stars 1-0.

In Group A, Ikorodu City emerged top with four points. They began with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars and were later awarded a walkover victory against Rivers United after the Port Harcourt-based side abandoned the match following a second red card.

Before the final clash, a blockbuster third-place fixture is scheduled between two of Nigeria’s top-flight heavyweights Remo Stars and Rivers United. The matchup, once expected to be the tournament’s main event given their first and second-place finishes in the last NPFL season, will now serve as a battle for bronze.

Rivers United media officer, Charles Mayuoku, told our correspondent that the club remains focused on the tournament’s broader purpose despite the setback in their last match.

“We’ve moved on from the previous game,” Mayuoku said. “Our objective here is to assess the team and prepare for the upcoming league season and continental competitions. Facing Remo Stars will be a good test of our readiness.”

Onome Obruthe, Executive Director of Publicity and Strategy for the EIC’s Local Organising Committee, said Sunday’s final day promises fireworks.

“We’re seeing a top-flight club, Ikorodu City, in the final, while the best two teams from the NPFL will go head-to-head in the third-place game. That shows how competitive this tournament has been,” Obruthe noted.

The Eko International Cup has proven to be a valuable preparatory ground for participating clubs, offering an opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess squad depth ahead of the new season.

For Ikorodu City, Sunday’s final presents a chance to lift silverware and cap off their campaign with glory. But they face a Smart City side that has impressed with disciplined performances and the ability to topple more established teams.

Meanwhile, the clash between Remo Stars and Rivers United promises to deliver its own drama, as both teams look to finish the competition on a strong note despite falling short of the final.

With two high-stakes fixtures lined up, fans can expect an exciting end to what has been an action-packed pre-season showcase in Lagos.