Mark Ekpo, central defender and assistant captain of Melody FC, celebrated his team’s victory at the LAB Memorial Football Carnival Season 2, held on September 16, 2023, at the UNILAG sports field.
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In an interview with Sports 247, he shared his thoughts on their remarkable journey to becoming champions.
Melody FC’s success is attributed to their unwavering commitment to hard work and self-belief. Ekpo emphasized their team motto, “We train hard to win easily,” which proved pivotal in their tournament triumph. He remarked, “We believed in ourselves, so we played well to get to the final.”
Mark’s association with the LAB Memorial Carnival dates back to its first season when he participated with another team. This year, he soared to victory with Melody FC, marking a significant milestone in his grassroots football journey.
Reflecting on their rigorous preparations for the tournament, Ekpo affirmed that the hard work paid off. Their intense training regimen demonstrated their dedication and ultimately solidified their championship status. “The energy we put into the training has shown that we are truly champions of this tournament,” he proudly stated.
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When questioned about his future plans, Mark conveyed the collective aspirations of his team. Many of them harbor dreams of becoming professional footballers and are earnestly working towards that goal. He expressed their collective hope, saying, “We pray that God will see us through it.”
Sharing insights into the challenges of grassroots football, Mark shed light on the limited exposure young talents receive due to the concentrated focus of scouts on specific regions. He highlighted the lack of scouting activity in their community, where they train. However, he recognized the LAB Memorial Football Carnival’s importance in addressing this issue. Mark commended the initiative, which has garnered attention by streaming matches online, providing a platform for scouts, agents, and sponsors to discover budding talents.
Mark Ekpo’s journey from grassroots champion to aspiring professional exemplifies the potential for growth and recognition that initiatives like the LAB Memorial Football Carnival bring to young talents in underrepresented areas.
