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Foremost financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank is set to hold the finals of the GTBank-Lagos State Principals Cup on Thursday 19th July at the Agege Stadium, Lagos. The prestigious tournament, now in its 9th year promises to be a thrilling encounter between the four qualifying teams as they stake their claim as ultimate champions of the football competition.

Considered one of the most followed grassroots football tournaments in Secondary schools, this year’s finals will kick off with a match between the qualifying teams in the female category; IsaleEko Senior Grammar School, Lagos Island and Girls High School, Agege.

In the male category, defending champions of the competition, Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Grammar School will face arch-rivals St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka. Both teams will meet after a thrilling encounter atthe Semi Finals in which St. Finbarr’s College romped to a 2-0 win against Egan Senior Grammar School, Alimosho,to finish top of Group B. Except for St. Finbarr’s College which finished 2nd in 2015, two out of the four finalists have won the trophy in the past.

After the face off on Thursday, winners will be rewarded with the sum of N1,000,000.00, N750,000.00 and N500,000.00 and N250,000.00 for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4thplace winners respectively in both male and female categories.

Commenting on the Finals of the 2017 GTBank Lagos State Principals Cup, SegunAgbaje, the MD/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, stated that, “We are delighted to see schools aiming for their first ever trophies in this competition; it emphasizes the growing stature of the GTBank-Lagos State Principals Cup as a platform for the cultivation of dreams through hard work and discipline.”

Over the years, the GTBank-Lagos State Principals Cup has propelled the professional careers of several talented and now renowned players like Stephen Odey, who captained his alma mater- Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School to victory in the 2012 edition of the competition and is now a player in FC Zurich. Esther Adeboye, one of the Most Valuable Players in the 2014 Competition from State High School, Alimoshoalso joined the National Female U-17 Team – The Flamingoes – that represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Guaranty Trust Bank, a youth oriented brand, maintains the lead in providing support for education and sports to enable young boys and girls explore their talents and reach for their dreams. It is one of the few Nigerian financial institutions that have maintained a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, most especially in sports education. The Bank actively supports in-classroom and out-of-classroom educational programmes, infrastructure development, students’ scholarship and teachers training across Africa.

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JUST IN: Super Eagles Legendary Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies At 60

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The Super Eagles have honoured former Nigerian goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Peter Rufai, following reports of his passing.

In a statement posted on Thursday via X, the national team referred to Rufai, popularly called “Dodo Mayana,” as an iconic figure in Nigerian football whose impact will always be remembered.

“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the statement said.

The statement praised Rufai’s outstanding career, highlighting his remarkable performances and influence beyond football.

“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” it added.

Rufai was a key member of the celebrated Nigerian team that won the 1994 AFCON and qualified for the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup in the same year.

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BREAKING: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Dies In Car Crash At 28

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Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has passed away at the age of 28 after a fatal road accident in Spain.

The accident took place on the A-52 motorway, at kilometre 65, close to the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora province.

Born in 1996, Jota was an important player for both Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. News of his sudden death has caused shock and grief across the football community and beyond.

Spanish sports newspaper MARCA reported the crash on Thursday, confirming that Jota died at the scene.

“Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota dies in a traffic accident in the province of Zamora,” the publication stated in a short report, expressing sorrow over the loss of the talented footballer.

Jota was known for his determination, sharp goal-scoring ability, and flexibility on the field.

As of the time of this report, additional information about the crash and funeral plans has not been released.

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Tobi Amusan Wins Rabat Diamond League 100m Hurdles, Sets New Record

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Tobi Amusan has claimed victory in the women’s 100 meters hurdles race at the Diamond League meet held in Rabat, Morocco.

The 28-year-old athlete achieved a season’s best time of 12.24 seconds, finishing ahead of her competitors and establishing a new meeting record. This performance surpassed McNeal Brianna’s previous mark of 12.51 seconds.

This triumph marks Amusan’s first significant win of the 2025 season. She began her campaign with consecutive fourth-place finishes at both the Xiamen and Shanghai Diamond League meets in May.

In March, she secured a win at Velocity Fest 16 in Jamaica, competing against a less formidable lineup of hurdlers.

This recent victory signifies a fresh start for Amusan, following the disappointing conclusion to her 2024 athletics season, where she did not qualify for the final of the women’s 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics.

After the last season, Amusan commenced training with Racers Track Club, which is led by Glen Mills, who previously coached the renowned Usain Bolt.

Commenting on her win in Rabat, Amusan attributed her improved execution in Morocco to her training regimen.

“More hurdles practice, because I have been doing more sprinting. It was after the first two Diamond League meetings, I knew I had to go back to doing more hurdle drills,” she said.

“Two weeks in, I can tell the difference.”

Amusan has previously won the Diamond League trophy for the women’s 100 meters hurdles three times, from 2021 to 2023.

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