Oriade NLO Pre-season Cup:Victory FC Edge Gold FC in Dramatic Group Finale, But Fall Short Of Qualification
3 min read
By David Edene
The final group-stage clash of the Oriade Pre-Season Tournament delivered exactly the kind of drama expected from a high-stakes decider, as Victory FC battled to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Gold FC in a match filled with intensity, momentum swings, and late controversy.
With qualification hanging in the balance, both teams entered the encounter knowing that only a near-perfect performance would keep their hopes alive. Gold FC needed an outright win to stand any chance of progressing, while Victory FC faced an even tougher equation requiring a commanding margin of victory to leap into qualification contention following their earlier draw.
Gold FC wasted no time asserting themselves, striking in just the 4th minute. Emmanuel Ekundayo’s incisive run unsettled the Victory defense, and after a brief scramble in the box, Esho Pelumi reacted quickest to slot home the opener and give Gold FC an early advantage.
Riding on that momentum, Gold FC continued to press forward with purpose. Adeagbo Adams came close to doubling the lead in the 11th minute, cutting in from the left before unleashing a powerful effort that crashed against the crossbar.
However, Victory FC responded almost immediately. Just a minute later, Sharkur Sanusi showed great awareness to pick out Rafiu Ibrahim inside the box, and the forward calmly finished into an empty net to level the score at 1-1.
The contest quickly evolved into an open, end-to-end affair. Gold FC nearly regained the lead moments later when Ekundayo’s downward header forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Okotore Rasheed, who stood firm to keep his side in the game.
Gold FC’s attacking fluidity continued to trouble Victory’s defense, but their inability to convert chances proved costly.
In the 16th minute, a beautifully worked team move involving Adams, Pelumi, and Afolabi Mumeen carved open space, only for Adams to miss a golden opportunity from close range.
Victory FC capitalized on that wastefulness late in the first half. In the 40th minute, Salaudeen Alimi delivered a pinpoint corner that found Bamidele Samuel, who rose highest to power home a commanding header and give Victory FC a crucial 2-1 lead.
Gold FC pushed hard for an equalizer before the break, with Adams rounding the goalkeeper and attempting a delicate finish, but a resilient defensive effort denied them at the last moment.
The second half resumed with the same urgency. Gold FC dominated possession and created chances, with Afolabi Mumeen driving forward to spark attacks. Pelumi came close again, but Rasheed produced another crucial block to preserve Victory’s advantage.
Victory FC also threatened on the counter. Adekale Ibrahim found space on the right and delivered a cross to Bamidele Samuel, but the striker’s effort drifted harmlessly wide.
As the clock ticked down, Gold FC threw everything forward. Substitute Olagbaju Saheed injected energy into the attack, delivering a teasing cross that Ekundayo headed wide. At the other end, Eboagu Emmanuel dazzled with skill before setting up Samuel, whose shot was deflected for a corner.
The game took a dramatic turn in the closing stages as discipline issues plagued Gold FC. Captain Sunday Lawal was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, and deep into stoppage time, Ajiboye Abdullah also saw red, reducing his side to nine men.
Victory FC pushed for a decisive third goal in added time, with Bamidele Samuel coming close again, but his header was safely collected by goalkeeper Saluwudeen Habeeb.
At the final whistle, Victory FC secured a spirited 2-1 victory. However, despite their determined performance, the result ultimately proved insufficient to secure progression to the next round, bringing their campaign to a frustrating end.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
