Kid Sensation Ayodele Ismail Stars As Osun Utd Humbles Warri Wolves In Osogbo
Osun Utd continues its impressive start to the season following an impressive outing as brace from inspiring winger, Ayodele Ismail sinks Warri Wolves in match-day three of Nigeria National League, NNL.
Coach Seye Ajayi ringed four changes to the starting line up keeping Zubair in goal and retaining the pairing of Afolabi Olatubosun and Abubakar Aminu at the back while Emmanuel Essien bosses the middle and Dayo Agbolade retain his starting bet upfront.
Opponents hardly settled before ambitious Omoluabi Giants went upfront following an aerial loop which is well delivered by stand in captain Odudu Francis and well connected by Ismail Ayodele with a well planted header, sending the home fans into frenzy. Four minutes later, he grabbed his brace. More chances fluffed upfront as Warri Wolves tried to reduce the deficit but all to no avail just before the break.
The two sides ring couple of changes in the second half as substitute, Quozim Raheem and Yemi Ogunleye could have added to tally but missed their chances, same with Dayo Agbolade who was denied by woodwork five minutes from time. Jolomi A. tutored side survives series of pressure in the closing stages as Friday Nwachukwu and Aminu Abubakar dazzle for Omoluabi Giants.
Osun Utd. Head Coach, Seye Ajayi after the final whistle was full of praise for his lads and fans. “My boys played to instruction and we didn’t allow our opponents to execute their plans. It’s a sweet victory for us and I give it to characters displayed by my boys. The fans also get behind us and it makes things easy. We look forward to our next game and am assuring our people positive result likewise.” Ex 3SC goal poacher stated.
Warri Wolves Head Coach Jolomi Atune remarked that, he didn’t plan to lose but it’s what it is, he noted that, negatives will be worked on before his next game.
The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Group, Ebi Egbe has congratulated the Chairman of the Nigeria National League George Aluo for the recent meritorious award given to him by the FCT Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
Egbe whose company specializes on the provisions of hybrid standard playing Turf said the recognition given to the NNL boss is a testimony that Nigerians are watching and following the new improved Nigeria National League, and advice the Board not to relent.
It could be recalled that the FCT Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria on Thursday gave a merit away to both the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian National League.
Egbe further advised the Aluo led Board of the most important league to ensure that they properly reposition the league and place it where it rightly belongs.
He congratulated SWAN for the recognition given to Aluo, and his Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Attah.
Madiba FC of Lagos humbled Abia Comets with an emphatic 3-0 win at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday.
The result has ramped up pressure on the Unuahia based side, having lost to Ekiti United on Matchday one, with the same scoreline.
In the early minutes of the first half, Madiba FC dominated, and Chibueze Lambert, Abia Comets FCβs goalkeeper, made a crucial save, denying Egbonwon Harrisonβs penalty kick at the 2nd minute.
However, Fasina Samson reshaped the narrative by scoring an extraordinary goal from an unexpected side of the pitch, giving Madiba FC the lead at the 10th minute.
Dada Oladimeji extended the lead for Madiba FC at the 15th minute with a successful spot kick.
Asuquo Peter further solidified the victory with a remarkable shot from outside the 18-yard box at the 26th minute.
In the second half, despite Madiba FCβs efforts to add more goals, Abia Comets FC thwarted their attempts.
While the defensive efforts of Ewodage Abubakar and Abiodun Ayodele for Madiba FC prevented the away team from goal scoring opportunities.
With this victory, Madiba FC secured 3 points, bringing their total to 7 points in the league standings after three matches, while Abia Comets have only three points from three matches.
The Nigeria National League (NNL) returns this weekend with nineteen round of matches, across the Federation..
Bauchi will be buzzing with excitement, when Wikki Tourist face Northern Warlord Elkanemi Warriors at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, while Ekiti United will look to put on another show, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, when they take on the Stormers from Ogun State.
Matchday Two (2) recorded thirty-three (33) goals, three (3) away wins, twelve (12) home wins and two (2) draws.
Here is the Preview for Matchday Three of the NNL.
CONFERENCE A
MADIBA Vs ABIA COMETS
Madiba FC will be playing at home for the first time this season and will have something to prove. The ‘Oshodi’ boys put in their best in their last two matches, a draw against Beyond Limits on Matchday one and an important away win at the Akwa Township Stadium, against Edel FC.
Abia Comets came back stronger last week, after their Matchday one 3-0 loss to Ekiti United. The Unuahia based side beat Beyond Limits 2-0 at home. This game will come up on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
DAKKADA FC VS EDEL FC
Both teams have just a point, after two games each. Edel drew 1-1 against Smart City on Matchday one and lost at home to Madiba last week. Dakkada FC too seem not to have started well this season, with a draw to 1472 on day one and a loss last week to Smart City FC. Both teams will be hoping to get their first full points of the season.
BEYOND LIMITS VS COAL CITY .
Beyond Limits did their best against Abia Comets, but still fell 2-0, while Coal City managed to get a 2-1 victory over Ekiti United at the UNEC Stadium last week. Both sides will feel positive about this encounter.
ROVERS VS SMART CITY
Smart City managed a 1-0 win over Dakkada FC last weekend, while Rovers couldn’t take up 1472 FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Smart City will be traveling to Calabar, hoping they can add to the four points already garnered , while Rovers will be pushing for their second win this season.
VANDREZZER VS 1472
Newcomers 1472 FC, already have four points this season and will be facing Vandrezzer FC at the Uyo Township Stadium. Vandrezzer lost 2-0 to the Stormers last week, but will do everything possible to get another maximum points, when they meet the ‘Tingo’ boys this weekend.
EKITI UNITED VS STORMERS
Ekiti United have a chance to recover from their 2-1 defeat to Coal City in Enugu, when they face Stormers at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti. Stormers will look to get another win after their comfortable home win against Vandrezzer last week.
CONFERENCE B
OSUN UNITED VS WARRI WOLVES
Osun United will be flying high after they recorded a ‘rare’ away win last week. The win will boost their confidence coming into this fixture, same with their opponent on Saturday, Warri Wolves also won Solution FC in Kwale. Both teams will be focused. What a game it’s going to be..
IJEBU UNITED VS TRADE SAFE FC
Trade Safe FC have recorded no point in their last two matches, and will be facing a very resolute Ijebu United, who are really strong at home. Ijebu United Cameroonian Coach, Anthony Encho will be demanding the same level of performance they gave on Matchday one against Inter FC of Lagos. On the other hand, Trade safe FC will be searching for their first point of the season.
CROWN FC VS GATEWAY UNITED
Gateway United FC have just been reinstated back into the league after some registration hitch and will begin the new campaign against a Crown FC, who recorded an away victory against Inter FC of Lagos last week. It promises to be a cracker..
GIANT BRILLARS VS INTER LAGOS
Inter Lagos have had a difficult start to the season, losing two games in a row. They will need to do something extraordinary to get something positive in Enugu against Giant Brillars.
IKORODU CITY VS F.C ONE ROCKET.
Focus and teamwork can go a long way and Coach Ndubusi Ndah will encourage his players to play without fear, when they face Ikorodu City FC. The ‘Oga’ boys will be playing their first home game this season and will need to deliver Infront of their home fans, with bravery and determination.
CONFERENCE C
NAF FC VS EFCC FC
The first Federal Capital Territory (FCT) derby of the season. NAF FC welcomes EFCC to the Area 10 Sports Complex, same homeground of the ‘Anticraft’ boys.
NAF won their first game against ABS of Ilorin, while EFCC picked just a point against Nasarawa United at home last week.
NASARAWA UNITED VS MIGHTY JETS
Mighty Jets will need to come out stronger when they face Nasarawa United at the Zaria Road Stadium. The Jets have gotten only a point from two games, while Nasarawa United can boast of four points.
ABS VS ZAMFARA UNITED
Zamfara United started the NNL Campaign with a loss to Nasarawa United, but were stronger against NAF FC on Matchday two, winning 2-1. They will face an ABS side at home, who lost to NAF FC on Matchday one. Alot is expected from both teams.
WIKKI TOURIST VS ELKANEMI WARRIORS
Wikki Tourist recorded the biggest win of Matchday one and still travelled to Kaduna to pick a point against Mighty Jets. Elkanemi Warriors defeated Yobe Desert Warriors last week and would be aiming to get another maximum points in Bauchi. It promises to be a very tough encounter..
CONFERENCE D
ADAMAWA UNITED VS CITY FC
Adamawa United will have alot to work for, after losing 2-0 to Sokoto United last week and will be hoping they can get their first point of the season. City FC are a very strong side and would be aiming at getting something from this game..
KEBBI UNITED VS SOKOTO UNITED
Kebbi United lost at home to Sporting Supreme on matchday one and will lock horns with Sokoto United, who already has six points from two home games this season. It’s going to be an interesting one.
MAILANTARKI CARE VS SPORTING SUPREME
Sporting Supreme also have an 100% record in two matches. An away win against Kebbi United and a 3-1 home win against Jigawa Golden Stars. Mailantarki Care FC have no point yet after two games and this is a golden opportunity for them to recover from two losses.
JIGAWA GOLDEN STARS VS MALUMFASHI FC
Malumfashi FC just like Gateway United missed day one and two games after struggling with Registration. Jigawa Golden Stars will go into the game with some level of confidence, despite losing their last game in Abuja. They have three points while Malumfashi will be aiming at getting something from the game.
Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria National League (NNL) George Aluo has expressed satisfaction with the results so far recorded in the second tier league, the NNL, saying it is very encouraging and would be sustained.
It would be recalled that the league since itβs commencement few weeks ago has recorded some away wins with Madiba FC beating Edel in Nnewi while Crown FC of Ogbomosho defeated Inter in Lagos.
Also Nasarawa Utd secured a draw in Abuja against EFCC same as Wikki Tourist against Mighty Jets in Jos and the NNL boss believes itβs a sign of good officiating.
According to the Chairman of the most important league in the country, George Aluo, the board is going to continue encouraging Referees to be more firm in their decisions as thatβs the only way the league can grow and attract more sponsorship and interest from fans.
βWe at the NNL are excited with what is happening in the league. Right now, you have teams winning on the road with some playing draws which is an indication that the league is improving”
βWeβre also happy with the Referees who have been doing well so far and I want them to continue that way because with good officials weβll get there β, he concluded
The Ajilete Warriors recorded the first away win in the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.Ogbomosho based Crown Football Club on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Water front,Lagos picked all points in their Southern Conference B match week two against Inter Lagos Football Club.Coach Tajudeen Raheem led technical crew came from behind to beat the home side 1-2 in a game full actions.Inter Lagos scored first in the 26th minute through Favour Aroyameh, it took 85th minute for the Ajilete Warriors to hit back at Inter Lagos, courtesy of Folarin Temitope effort.Victory made sure for Crown FC as the Ajilete Warriors on strike at 90th minute as Adekunle Mojeed on target.It is now two victories for Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso, having defeated FC One Rocket 2-1 in their opening game at Soun Stadium, Ogbomoso.Crown FC now joins Sporting Supreme Football Clubs as the only two teams to have away wins in the new season.Sporting Supreme snatched a vital 1-2 win over Kebbi United in match week one at the Ginginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, the new home of Kebbi United.The Ajilete Warriors also made history as the first team to have their safest pair of gloves, goalkeeper Joseph Onwuga as the goal tender to win player of the match this season in NNL.Crown FC at the moment have six points to shoot top of the 2023/2024 NNL Southern Conference B log .Photos:Coach Tajudeen Raheem and Player of the match goalkeeper Joseph Onwuga.Other away wins recorded in day two are:Tradesafe FC 0-1 Osun United also in Conference B. In Conference A ,Edel FC 0-1 Madiba FC,Lagos.Madiba FC goal keeper,Adeniyi Olukunmi is the second goal tender to be voted MOTM winner.
Following a fun opening weekend of the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season, Matchday two is just around the corner and definitely, there are some very intriguing fixtures on schedule.
Week One Recap:
The first week saw most of the teams, winning at home, with twelve (12) home wins, four (4) draws and just one (1) away win.
Aside all these, the fans really enjoyed themselves with some great goals scored on Matchday one. In total, thirty-seven (37) goals were scored across all centres, with Wikki Tourist, scoring the highest number of goals (5), followed by Ekiti United (3).
Week Two (2) Preview|
CONFERENCE A.
ABIA COMETS Vs BEYOND LIMITS.
Both Abia Comets and Beyond Limits failed to win their Matchday one game and will be looking to get maximum points. Abia Comets got it full against Ekiti United at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, while Beyond Limits, failed to pick maximum points against Madiba FC at the Remo Stadium. It promises to be a very tough game.
COAL CITY Vs EKITI UNITED.
Ekiti United will be traveling to Enugu with their heads so high, after a remarkable Matchday one performance against Abia Comets. Coal City on the other hand, gave Vandrezzer a tough time in their Matchday one fixture and would be ready to double their actions against a very good side in Ekiti United. What a game its promises to be.
STORMERS Vs VANDREZZER
Vandrezzer could only win Coal City by a lone goal, in their new home, Uyo Township Stadium. Their new gaffer Ike ThankGod will have a lot to prove, when they face a Stormer’s team, searching for their first win of the season, after Matchday one loss in the hands of Rovers.
EDEL Vs MADIBA
Definitely, another interesting game to watch out for. Edel FC traveled down to Lagos and picked a point, against a very youthful Smart City side, same as Madiba who went to Remo to pick a valuable point against Beyond Limits.
Madiba are good on the road and Edel FC will be hoping to get a win at the Awka Township Stadium.
1472 VS ROVERS
1472 FC are new, but traveled to Uyo to play out a 2-2 draw with Dakkada FC. A pleasing result for a team, which is barely two months old. Rovers will be hoping to add more points to the three they got against Stormers last week. The Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, will settle the scores.
SMART CITY VS DAKKADA
A great game and one that can’t be predicted. It’s the second home game for Smart City FC, having drawn against Edel FC on Matchday one. Dakkada have alot to prove same as Smart City.
CONFERENCE B
FC ONE ROCKET Vs GIANT BRILLARS
FC One Rocket will be hoping to make their Eket fans happy with a win against a very good side, Giant Brillars. Giant Brillars won Ikorodu City FC by a lone goal, last week and will be aiming at adding to the woes of FC One Rocket, who lost 2-1 in Ogbomosho last week. Ndubisi Ndah is surely confident his team can get their first full point of the season.
TRADESAFE VS OSUN UNITED
Osun United will be playing their first game of the season against TradeSafe FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, a game, TradeSafe Sports FC players have promised the President of the team Ahmed Jamiu an outright win. Osun United however will be counting on some of their experienced players to pick one or three points from the MBJ Arena.
WARRI WOLVES VS SOLUTIONS FC.
Solution FC will be aiming to get their second win, when they meet Warri Wolves FC on Matchday two of the NNL season. Warri Wolves unlike Solution FC, will be playing their first game of the season and a win will start off their promotion campaign target.
INTER FC Vs CROWN FC
International FC, Lagos will be at home in Lagos, this weekend, against Crown FC, who won their first game of the season, against FC One Rocket in Ogbomosho. Inter FC, who lost to neighbours Ijebu United last week, will be aiming to get their first win. We are about to see a great game in Lagos.
Excited to announce that @Latsthedj will be on the decks for our FIRST HOME GAME this weekend! π§
Brace yourselves for a game day experience like never before π
EFCC FC will be welcoming Nasarawa United to the Area 10 Sports Complex this weekend and all they will be aiming at, is the maximum three points, after they were mauled on Matchday one by Wikki Tourist. Nasarawa United opened the new league season, with a 1-0 win over Zamfara United at the Lafia City Stadium, and would want a continuation of that this weekend.
MIGHTY JETS Vs WIKKI TOURIST
On Matchday one, Mighty Jets played a 2-2 draw with Yobe Desert Warriors at the Gashua Township Stadium, Damaturu and will be facing Wikki Tourist this weekend at home. The Zaria Road fans will surely be watching an intriguing encounter.
ELKANEMI WARRIORS Vs YOBE DESERT STARS
An interesting game to catch up with, both sides will be aiming for their first win of the season. Elkanemi Warriors will be hoping to get the needed points against their neighbour Yobe Desert Warriors.
CONFERENCE D‘
SPORTING SUPREME FC Vs JIGAWA GOLDEN STARS
Sporting Supreme FC traveled to the Ginginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto to record the only away win of Matchday one. The Abuja based side will face Jigawa Golden Stars, who also beat Mailantarki FC by 1-0 on Matchday one.
CITY FC VS MAILANTARKI CARE FC
City FC of Abuja will be at home against Mailantarki Care FC, who lost on Matchday one to Jigawa Golden Stars. City FC also failed to win on Matchday one and have set a target to pick maximum point at the Area 10 Sports Complex this weekend.
SOKOTO UNITED VS ADAMAWA UNITED
The Ginginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto will host the game between Sokoto United and Adamawa United. Sokoto United playing their second home game of the season, will only have one target, to get another three points.