RASHEED ALABI Wins Fifth Medal In Cyprus

AC Omonia Nicosia have won their first silverware of the new season, defeating league champions AEL Limassol 5-3 in the Cypriot Super Cup on Saturday in front of 3, 000 spectators at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium, Lárnaka.

Former Flying Eagles invitee Rasheed Alabi, whose future at Cyprus' most successful club was hanging in the balance some weeks ago, played for 90 minutes.

Even though Omonia conceded three goals in the game, which was a huge advertisement for attacking football, Rasheed Alabi gave a good account of himself, and he is delighted that he is no longer an outcast at the capital club.

'' I am happy to be back in the first team, and thanks to the coach (Larkou, ed) for selecting me for this important game. When I wasn't in the squad, I still had faith that my time will come. Now, it has happened. Our target this season is to win the championship. And with the present squad, I strongly believe we can win the title.

''I cherish the medal from the Super Cup match. This is my fifth medal since I joined Omonia, and I have kept it where I have the remaining four medals - in my sitting room,'' Rasheed Alabi told allnigeriasoccer.com.

On why the defense conceded 3 goals, Alabi said: '' Conceding three goals does not mean our defense is bad. Football is a team game, and everyone has a role to stop the opponents from scoring.''

Omonia Nicosia are at home to Ayia Napa in their first game in the championship on September 1.