Ogun 1 draw first blood, beat FOU 2-1 in NCS Zone A games opener

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Ogun 1 Area Command made a winning start to the inaugural Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone A Inter-Command Games on Monday, defeating the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) team 2-1 in an entertaining round-of-16 encounter at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos.

The victory gave Ogun 1 an early statement of intent in the three-week sporting competition, which brings together personnel from NCS commands across Zone A in a tournament designed to promote fitness, discipline, teamwork and camaraderie.

Ogun 1 dominated the opening stages and took the lead in the 10th minute when No. 19 jersey, Olajide Olamide, capitalised on a defensive lapse by FOU to put his side ahead. Gbolahan Faiza provided the assist for the opening goal.

The winners quickly doubled their advantage through their captain, No. 4 jersey RD Dimka, who produced a spectacular free-kick from the middle of the field to make it 2-0.

The two-goal deficit forced FOU to reorganise after the interval, and the team returned for the second half with greater attacking intent.

Their efforts eventually paid off when they reduced the deficit with a well-taken header from a corner kick, setting up a tense final period.

FOU pressed for an equaliser, but Ogun 1 remained organised defensively and held on to secure a 2-1 victory and progress in the competition.

Coach paths players

Speaking after the match, Ogun 1 Head Coach, Fatal Biliwu Adu, praised his players for their discipline and execution, while warning them against complacency.

“My boys put in their best and God crowned our effort with success. We started well, scored early and managed the game,” Adu said.

He urged the players to improve their performance in subsequent matches, stressing that the opening victory was only the beginning of their campaign.

“We must keep improving if we want to go far in this tournament,” he added.

Team Secretary, Oloruntosin Suru, also commended the players for displaying character and teamwork, particularly during the second half when FOU mounted pressure in search of an equaliser.

He said the coordination between the midfield and attack was impressive, while the team’s collective defensive effort helped secure the victory.

Afeni preaches sportsmanship

The Comptroller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Olukayode Oladapo Afeni, watched the encounter and commended both teams for their competitive spirit.

Afeni urged participants to approach the competition in the spirit of sportsmanship, stressing that the games should strengthen unity among Customs personnel rather than become a do-or-die affair.

“This should be fair game play. Nobody should take it as a do-or-die game,” he said.

He congratulated Ogun 1 on the 2-1 victory while also commending FOU for their determined fightback in the second half.

The Zone A Inter-Command Games, which began on Monday, August 17, and will run until September 5, 2026, are being held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.

With the theme “Fit to Serve, United to Lead,” the maiden competition is aimed at promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and healthy interaction among officers across Customs commands in Zone A.

Beyond football, the games feature other sporting activities designed to encourage healthy competition and strengthen bonds among personnel.

The initiative also complements the Service’s emphasis on professionalism, discipline and teamwork, with officers given an opportunity to demonstrate those qualities outside their regular operational duties.

For Ogun 1, the 2-1 victory provides a strong start to its campaign, while FOU’s defeat brings its participation in the football event to an end.

Attention now shifts to the remaining fixtures as participating commands battle for honours in the maiden edition of the Zone A Inter-Command Games.