The storied rivalry between two of Nigeria’s most prestigious schools, C.M.S. Grammar School, Lagos, and Igbobi College, Lagos, came alive once again in an electrifying two-legged friendly soccer encounter between the Old Boys of the heritage schools that captivated fans and alumni alike.
The first leg, tagged ‘Legacy Showdown,’ held on the picturesque grounds of Igbobi College on October 26, 2024, set the stage for a dramatic contest. The Old Grammarians’ Society (OGS) 1997 Set of the CMS Grammar School snatched a narrow 1-0 victory, silencing the crowd and home team—Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA) 1997 Set—with their resolute performance on the historic pitch. The first leg of the friendlies was a tactical showcase, highlighting the finesse and footballing pedigree of both schools, with the OGS 1997 Team capitalizing on a rare chance to edge their rivals.
Fast forward to the return leg, dubbed ‘Thriller in Bariga,’ at the CMS Grammar School grounds in Bariga on Saturday, November 16, 2024, where the stakes were raised and the atmosphere was electric. With pride on the line, ICOBA 1997 arrived with determination etched into their every move. Their mission was clear: reclaim glory and avenge the first-leg defeat.
The game began at a blistering pace, with ICOBA 1997 Set quickly asserting dominance. In a dazzling first-half display of skill and strategy, the visiting team unleashed a barrage of attacks, stunning the hosts and racing to a commanding 4-0 lead before the halftime whistle.
The host team, the OGS 1997 team, was unbowed. Inside sources revealed that the strategy of the host team was to play the good host and not embarrass their guest, and that was the reason the team stepped its foot off the pedal in the return leg.
Despite the uphill battle, the OGS 1997 Set team refused to bow out quietly. In the second half, the team changed strategy, dug deep, and managed to restore some pride with a well-taken consolation goal. The team pushed harder for another goal, but the ICOBA 1997 boys stood resolute and prevented their hosts from scoring after some dazzling and mesmerizing moves.
The match later ended 4-1, with ICOBA 1997 Set celebrating an emphatic victory. After the game, the two teams gathered to banter, feast and catch up on old times.
One key highlight of the second leg was the celebration of one of OGS 1997 Set members, Olawale Faleye, who passed on recently. Faleye was a notable athlete who was dominant in the school’s relay school’s relay team during his time. The OGS 1997 Set used the game to observe a minute silence for and celebrate their old mate.
The aggregate score across the two legs stood at 4-2 in favor of Igbobi College Old Boys Association (1997 Set), who emerged as the overall winners of this thrilling encounter. Beyond the scoreline, the matches rekindled the cherished heritage and competitive spirit that both schools have upheld for decades.
Undoubtedly, the friendly game will be remembered as a testament to the enduring legacies—both on and off the pitch—of C.M.S. Grammar School, Lagos, Nigeria’s first secondary school, founded in 1859, and Igbobi College, Lagos.
