A Reunion for a Cause: Ebere Goodluck’s Upcoming Exhibition Match
The Match Announcement
Ebere Goodluck, a former striker for the National Grassroots Dream Team, is gearing up for an exhibition match that promises to be an extraordinary gathering of friends and memories. Scheduled for January 2, 2026, this event will take place in Coker-Orile, Lagos, at the well-known Land Park Field. Kicking off at 7 AM, the match aims not only to showcase talent but to honor the legacies of those who have passed away.
A Personal Journey
Living in the United States now, Ebere shared his heartfelt motivations for organizing this match via social media. He expressed a deep emotional connection to this event, emphasizing that it’s more than just a friendly game; it’s a tribute to coaches and friends who shaped his life and career. “This will give us a memorable football story about coaches and friends who have passed away,” he noted, indicating the depth of sentiment tied to the occasion.
The Competitive Line-Up
Ebere has extended invitations to 23 of his friends from overseas, many of whom shared his journey in football. Titled “Ebere & Friends,” this team will face Idowu Boys FC, a side that has bolstered its ranks with four former players from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). The excitement surrounding the match is palpable within the local community, and beyond, as both teams gear up for this friendly yet competitive encounter.
Celebrating Coaches and Friends
The match is designed to commemorate the lives of several icons who played pivotal roles in Ebere’s football story. He specifically highlighted the influential coaches: Emeka, Idowu, Tony, and Gabriel Ogene, along with friends Ope, Ismaila, Riliwan Jimoh, and others. Ebere’s words resonate with anyone who has experienced the impact of mentorship and friendship in sports: “The key is to focus on authentic emotions and recall vivid specific memories that we had to celebrate their lives.”
Anticipated Players from Abroad
Among the 23 players joining Ebere from various parts of the world, several are well-known names from the National Grassroots Dream Team. The list features an array of talents, including Solomon Joseph, Michael Andrew, Success Godwin, and former Benin Republic national team striker, Shakiru Abikoye. Players will represent different countries, showcasing the international camaraderie that football fosters.
Ebere & Friends’ Roster
- AZEEZ OBEE 🇺🇸
- GOODLUCK EBERE 🇺🇸
- OBROTOYO SAMUEL 🇮🇹
- ABUBAKAR KARIM 🇫🇮
- BOBOSKY SMITH 🇿🇦
- CASILAS JUSTIN 🇺🇸
- OFILI CHRISTIAN 🇺🇸
- ABIKOYE SHAKIRU 🇫🇷
- OYEBANJI 🇺🇸
- AFOLABI WASIU 🇫🇷
- SOLOMON JOSEPH 🇫🇷
- TUNDE ISHOLA 🇸🇪
- OKOI 🇫🇷
- JIMMY NWAOZE 🇧🇪
- BALOGUN NICHOLAS 🇺🇸
- DUROSINMI ADELEKE 🇫🇷
- MICHEAL ANDREW 🇫🇷
- VANDERSAR 🇮🇹
- SUCCESS GODWIN 🇫🇷
- OSAZE BEST 🇺🇸
- ORUMA ENOCH 🇺🇸
- MIAMI OFILI 🇮🇪
- UDEZE 🇳🇬
- DAVID GOD’STIME 🇳🇬
- OBINOR CHINEDU 🇳🇬
- BANNEY PAUL 🇺🇸
- GABRIEL OKECHUKWU 🏴
- GANIU 🇳🇬
- SIR WEALTH 🏴
- VICTOR 🇺🇸
- BABATUNDE MICHAEL 🇦🇱
Community Engagement and Excitement
The event has already begun generating buzz in Lagos, with residents showing a keen interest in attending. As Ebere’s friends prepare for their journey back home, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a heartfelt tribute to those who laid the groundwork for many budding footballers.
Ebere Goodluck’s exhibition match stands as a beautiful testament to the power of sports, friendship, and remembrance. Fans, both local and international, eagerly await the unfolding of this heartfelt event, ready to celebrate not just the game of football, but the stories and lives intertwined with it.