Rainbow Stars emerged champions of the second edition of the Aaron Samuel 5-a-side football tournament after beating favourites SKE 8-7 on penalties on Saturday at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt.

SKE, who had swept aside their knockout stage opponents with ease, were favourites to win the N1million prize, and it did look like they would live up to that tag, as they dominated play against the more defensive Rainbow Stars.

Chances upon chances fell for them, but the SKE boys failed to convert, with the Rainbow Stars’ goalkeeper making several impressive saves.

The game was then pushed into penalty shootout, with Rainbow emerging victorious in the end.

At the end of the final match, there was a musical performance by Mr. 2kay, who thrilled the fans who thronged the Liberation Stadium.

Nigeria international Aaron Samuel has expressed satisfaction with the overall organization of his 5-a-side football tournament.

Speaking after the final match, he said: “I am very happy with what I have seen so far, the quality of play and the organization.

“I am hoping next year’s edition will be bigger, and possibly, we would have more teams to make the competition tougher.”

Chris Oguguo