December 11, 2016 will be a day that will linger in the minds of Nigerians for a long time as they were treated to a variety of spectacular events organized during the sixth edition of the annual COPA Lagos.

Crowd at COPA Lagos event

The event which had in attendance notable dignitaries including the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode included activities like a fashion show, featuring top Nigerian designers and upcoming talents who thrilled the audience at the Eko Atlantic City venue with beach-friendly designs with a COPA lifestyle theme, personified by carefully curated pieces from clothing to accessories. The designers included Raya, Kinabuti, Krushil, Assian, Dap Mod and The Weave Hat Company.

Samson Adamu, CEO of Kinetic Sports, organizers of the event said, COPA Lagos was much more than a football tournament, as it has grown over the years to become a major show capable of putting Nigeria on the global tourism map. He noted that while the football matches served as a fitting forerunner to the CAF Beach Soccer Cup of Nations which comes up two days after at the same venue, the other activities were meant to celebrate other aspects of the passions of Nigerians.

“Despite this being a one day event, this year we had a huge turnout and the experience this year not only focused on football, but on the different things our people are really very passionate about. We have since moved from being the first ever international beach soccer event in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to being one of the most attended entertainment events in the region, as can be seen from the crowd here today,” Adamu said.

The day had begun with a thrilling beach soccer match between Enyimba FC beach soccer team and the Pepsi Football Academy. Next was a celebrity match between Team D’banj and Team Victor Ikpeba. Team D’banj included Peter Okoye of P-Square, Samson Adamu, CEO of Kinetic Sports, organisers of the event, and popular Beat FM OAP, Jimi. Ikpeba’s team had other ex-Nigerian internationals like like Aloy Agu in goal, Waidi Akanni, Victor Agali, Mutiu Adepoju, Ifeanyi Udeze and popular celebrity, Frank Edoho of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire fame.

The Ex-Internationals won the match 2-1. The main competition on the day was a game between Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles and the Switzerland national beach soccer team. The Swiss lived up to their pre-tournament billing, beating Nigeria 8-3 in an electrifying encounter, which also saw the emergence of its star player, Noel Ott emerging as the Man of the Match.

Other notable highlights of this year’s COPA Lagos included a concert with performances from top Nigerian artistes, a food fair as well as dedicated fan zones where sponsors like FCMB, Pepsi, Wakanow and Hero Lager treated fans to different games and contests, with some of the guests taking home a variety of exciting gifts and prizes. The event was rounded off with an all-night open air music concert anchored by Nigeria’s international award winner, DJ Obi.