Itodo dedicates Grassrunners' 3-0 Ogunjobi Gold Cup win to players

Grassrunners FC coach Daniel Itodo has dedicated his side’s 3-0 victory over Abakaliki FC in the 2026 Ogunjobi Gold Cup final to his players, praising their effort and commitment throughout the competition.

The Sagamu club secured the title in the 14th edition of the pre-season tournament, which concluded after 10 days of action. The result gave Grassrunners a convincing finish as champions, with their performance in the final producing three unanswered goals.

Grassrunners took the lead in the 46th minute when Abakaliki’s Hamzat Sheriff turned the ball into his own net. Abakaliki goalkeeper Okoa Chizoba kept his team in the contest with a series of strong saves, but the defending did not prevent Grassrunners from extending their advantage.

Temileyin Adelabu scored the second goal in the 70th minute before Lasisi Musa added a late third to settle the final. Grassrunners goalkeeper Gideon Nwanzi also played an important part in the victory, making two significant saves to preserve his team’s lead.

Itodo said the triumph brought him great satisfaction and attributed it to the players’ hard work and dedication. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to win the competition and recognised the contribution of his assistants, backroom staff, officials and the club’s principal.

The Grassrunners coach is a product of the Pepsi Football Academy at Agege Stadium in Lagos. His success with the Sagamu side adds a tournament victory to a coaching journey that began with that academy background, while the players’ performance delivered the final result he credited to their collective work.