Oriade NLO Preseason Tournament:Last-Gasp Own Goal Rescues Hammola Int’l in Thriller Against Victory FC
2 min read
By David Edene
Fans at the Oriade NLO Pre-Season Tournament were treated to an electrifying contest as Hammola Int’l and Victory FC played out a thrilling draw, capped by a dramatic stoppage-time twist.
The game started with high intensity, and Hammola Int’l nearly took an early lead when Ajibola Awoeyo was presented with a golden opportunity from a close-range free kick. However, his effort lacked the required accuracy and was comfortably gathered by Victory FC goalkeeper Rasheed Okotore.
Awoeyo quickly made amends for the miss. In the 21st minute, he produced a moment of brilliance, driving toward the penalty area before unleashing a powerful strike that flew into the top left corner, giving Hammola a deserved lead.
Victory FC responded with urgency and found their equalizer in the 30th minute. A corner kick caused confusion in the Hammola box, and Bamidele Samuel reacted quickest, rising to head home after the goalkeeper failed to deal with the delivery.
The momentum quickly shifted in Victory’s favour. Just two minutes later, Salaudeen Alimi latched onto a precise through pass on the left side of the area and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Ibiyanju Abiodun to make it 2–1.
Hammola almost restored parity before halftime when a long throw created danger in the box, but a backward header from Bamidele Samuel drifted narrowly wide, allowing Victory to maintain their advantage heading into the break.
The second half resumed with the same attacking energy. Victory’s Rafiu Ibrahim came close to extending the lead with a curling effort from the left flank that narrowly missed the target.
Hammola eventually found their equalizer in the 63rd minute through a superb set-piece. Oluwaseun Badeji stepped up and curled a delightful free kick into the top right corner, bringing the contest level at 2–2.
As the game approached its final stages, both sides pushed for a decisive goal. Victory FC appeared to have secured all three points in the 81st minute following a well-orchestrated move. Rafiu Ibrahim initiated the attack, linking up with Bamidele Emmanuel, who skillfully worked his way past a defender before setting up Abayomi Omotayo to finish clinically from close range and make it 3–2.
Victory nearly added a fourth shortly after, but Rafiu Ibrahim’s effort sailed over the crossbar, leaving Hammola with a glimmer of hope.
That missed opportunity proved decisive.
Deep into stoppage time, Hammola launched one final attack into the penalty area. A dangerous cross created panic among Victory defenders, and in a cruel twist, the ball was inadvertently turned into the net by a Victory player.
The late own goal stunned Victory FC and ensured Hammola Int’l walked away with a hard-fought draw.
The final whistle brought an end to a pulsating encounter that will be remembered for its drama, quality, and unforgettable finish.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
