NNL25: 10-Man Osun Utd Put Madiba FC To Sword In Lagos.

By Sportsgister

Osun United secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Madiba FC in Lagos in a crucial week five (5) encounter of the Nigeria National League NNL., decided at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, thanks to a last-minute strike from Ganiyu Gberefun.

Seye Ajayi rang few changes from the squad that pipped hard-fighting Abakaliki FC with the inclusion of Odeyemi Ebenezer, Samuel Udor and Akeem Olalere in the starting line up. A keenly contested duel had first half with intermittent chances but Biola Sabitu’s audacious saves ensured ‘Imole Gladiators’ escaped the first stanza unscathed.

Fifteen minutes after restart Biola Sabitu was called into action, denying a goal bound set piece just before United area in another brilliant save. The last twenty minutes saw a revitalised Osun Utd as substitutes, Ganiyu Gberefun, Samuel Adeniyi and Sikiru Durodoye ran riot, stretching host’s defensive formations.

The moment finally arrived but Gberefun who’s clearly offside anxiously picked it from Samuel Adeniyi who had dislodged the onrushing keeper to bury it into the empty net as he was unfortunate from the offside trap, the supposed opener was chalked off agonizingly. Essien Emmanuel and Adeniyi Samuel should have done more damages but kept missing promising chances.

Six minutes of additional time, Ganiyu Gberefun netted his fourth goal of the season, converting a precise assist from Sikiru Durodoye to give his side all three points as jubilation rented the air. The match, which had been closely contested, saw Osun United hold on until the dying moments to snatch the win, only for Ganiyu Mutiu to be given matching order following a melee which saw him retaliated a nasty challenge.

It’s a laudable win for Osun Utd who only lost once in five games, gathering 10-points in the process.

According to head coach, Seye Ajayi, “We played here to win and we are grateful for the victory. The turning point for us was the fact that we noticed opponents were tired in the closing moments and we brought in more strikers which eventually paid off. Kudos to the lads and everyone that involved in this victory.” The elated sweat merchant submitted.

‘Believe And Achieve’ will be home next weekend to welcome Saraki Boys, ABS FC in another crucial tie of Match Day 6 of Nigeria National League NNL.