Dinice Royal Investment have been crowned champions of the Island All Stars Sports Club International Above-45 Football Tournament, completing a remarkable comeback against Network Times at the Lagos Business School Playing Ground.
Sports247 reports that the final produced a dramatic contest between two experienced sides, with Network Times appearing on course for victory after taking an early lead in the second half.
Chyko broke the deadlock just two minutes after the restart, making a powerful run from around the halfway line before connecting with a pass and finishing to give Network Times a 1-0 advantage.
With time running out, Network Times appeared increasingly close to securing the championship. However, Dinice Royal produced another extraordinary moment involving their adventurous goalkeeper.
The shot-stopper once again left his goal area and ventured towards the halfway line, eventually earning his side a 35-metre free-kick with just minutes remaining.
The goalkeeper then took responsibility for the set piece himself.
In an extraordinary finish, his free-kick struck the woodwork and found its way into the net in the 78th minute, just two minutes before the final whistle, to bring Dinice Royal level at 1-1 and send the encounter into a decisive finish.
It was not the first time the Dinice Royal goalkeeper had played a starring role outside his traditional position during the knockout stages. In the semi-final against Cartel Beach House, he had similarly ventured forward and was fouled inside the opposition penalty area before converting the resulting spot kick to help send his team into the final.
His remarkable contribution continued in the championship decider, where his late equaliser proved crucial in keeping Dinice Royal alive.
The tournament also featured a third-place playoff, with Sure B Homes defeating Cartel Beach 3-1.
Dennis opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute before Tommy Nwanpa doubled the advantage with a header from Nasa’s cross in the 27th minute.
Arthur added Sure B Homes’ third goal in the second half, while Jokesman pulled one back for Cartel Beach with a long-range effort. The Cartel Beach scorer was later forced off after sustaining an injury. But the day ultimately belonged to Dinice Royal.
From a goalkeeper’s audacious run to a stunning late free-kick, Dinice Royal’s championship journey was defined by courage, character and an unforgettable comeback.
