Despite media threats and razzmatazz, the Punchers on Saturday, February 25, 2024, failed to secure at least a draw as they were defeated by the Amalgamated team at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.
Prior to Saturday match, the Amalgamated team comprising The Guardian, Vanguard, The Nation, Leadership, Tribune, Telegraph, This Day and Business had defeated the Puncher 3-1 during the warm up match played at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Friday, February 24, 2024.
The Amalgamated team had scored a goal under two minutes while the Punchers pulled one back four minute later.
The Amalgamated team struck six minute later to make it 2-1, all efforts by the Punch team to equalize failed as the Amalgamated team remain solid.
The Amalgamated team won the cup and were honoured by Punch media.
The Novelty match was organised by Punch Nigeria limited as part of events marking its 50th anniversary.
Speaking after the match, Punch General Manager, Digital and Communication, Ademola Oni, admonished journalist to be involved in exercise and not to limit themselves to the field of journalism.
“Journalists have been so occupied chasing breaking stories all over the place, having no time to engage in other activities and that is the reason we organised this.
“I was told to invite a few media houses but I advised that we through it open and that ius why we expanded this and hence, we will involve both the TV and others.
Speaking on the defeat of the Punchers, he said: “We underrated the Amalgamated team; our team did well to the best of their ability, what they lack was tactics. They should have realized that they were playing against an aging team. They supposed to wear the Amalgamated team down by taking them around, but unfortunately, they lack the skill to do the running around.
“The lack of experience played against the Punch team.
“We meant it to be a novelty match but we gave it another phase, and this is going to be yearly and will take place every February.
The team captain, Tunde Bishi said: “We appreciate this gesture by Punch and we hope that the next edition will be more entertaining.
Also, the team manager, Tope Olaiya Templer, said: “We hope that each media will start organinsing matches, it could be five-aside and organize tournaments.
The Guardian team had Tope Templer Olaiya, Kosephe Onyekwere, Gbenga Salau, Eniola Daniel, Richard Aguiabozo and Itunu Azeez Kareem.
