I will be back with goals, says Olalusi

Posted : 23 December 2023

As Sunshine Stars FC played to a goalless draw against Akwa United FC in Eket, the Akure Gunners' striker, Micheal Olalusi, has lamented his team's goal-shy attitude.

The Akure Gunners could have earned maximum points in Eket if they had scored against the managerless Promise Keepers, but Olalusi and his teammates were unable to find the back of the net.

Olalusi is one of the leading goal-scorers in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with five goals so far.

During their visit on Thursday, Sunshine Stars forced the home team into a scoreless draw in the first game since the resignation of Coach Fatai Osho.

The match, held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, was a Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 15 fixture and the Promise Keepers' first under the guidance of interim Coach Abdullahi Umar.

The visitors applied pressure in the opening minutes, earning three corner kicks in quick succession, with Akwa United FC goalkeeper Jean Efala forced into an early save for Opeoluwa Olufemi's goal-bound header.

In the 7th minute, Wisdom Ndon connected with an Osoba Kabir cross for the Promise Keepers' first chance of the match, but the effort went out for a goal-kick.

Isaac Emmanuel, Ikechukwu Nwani, and Anietie Uko all tested the Akwa United FC goal but were kept out by Efala, while the enterprising Osoba Kabir was Akwa United's danger man in that drab half.

Upon returning for the second half, Coach Edith Ogoye made two changes to his team, with Ogechukwu Ogbu and Anietie Uko coming off for Jide Jimoh and Lucky Nwafor.

The first chance of the second half fell to the hosts; David Phillip's precise cross was met by a header from Uche Collins, but it went off target.

In the 53rd minute, Akwa United FC coach Abdullahi Umar made his first change, withdrawing Akintunde Bala for Hadi Mohammed as the new coach searched for a goal to mark his new role.

Hadi Mohammed almost made an instant impact four minutes after coming on when he controlled a cross in the area, but his shot flew off target.

Uche Collins missed a glorious chance in the final quarter of the encounter, mirroring the team's struggle in front of goal this season.

In the six minutes of additional time added on for stoppages, Akwa United FC had two penalty appeals waved away, while Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Ishola Abdulateef was sent off.

At the expiration of regulation time, the game ended all square, securing an important point on the road for Sunshine Stars, while Akwa United FC will continue their search for a turnaround in what has been a difficult and traumatic 2023/2024 NPFL season.

I will be back with goals, says Olalusi

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