NLO 2024: Kogi United FC beats Oyah Sports to remain top of Kontagora Centre league table

Posted : 25 April 2024

What was earlier envisaged as going to be an easy ride for Kogi United later turned out to be one of the toughest encounters of the ongoing Nationwide League One clash at the Kontagora Centre on Wednesday after Kogi United FC fought hard to overcome Oyah Sports FC in Matchday 3 of the third-tier league.

The first 45 minutes were absolutely hectic and tough as both sides came all out against each other.

Oyah Sports FC were up and causing problems for Kogi United FC's defense, but every effort of the Suleja-based side aimed at causing heartache for their opponents was professionally thwarted by Kogi United defense marshaled by Moses Kayode, Halidu Adamu, Hassan Lawal, and Isaac Mbom.

Oderinde Yemi was the first player to incur the referee's wrath after his dangerous tackle on Kogi United Midfield Maestro Haruna Isah, and he had to be stretchered off the pitch for quick medical attention.

A few minutes before the end of the first half, Anthony Jegede got a pass and ran into space from the flank. He sent the ball through to Haruna Isah, who was perfectly positioned and would have given Kogi United the lead but was dispossessed. So the first half ended goalless.

The second half was also full of activity as Coach Chidi Oji introduced the youthful Lawal Dauda in the 51st minute for Nuhu Daniel.

His introduction changed the game, especially in the attack, as his deft moves, touches, dribbles, coupled with his speed, gave the trio of Anthony Jegede, Jibril Abdulwahab, and Haruna Isah some strength upfront.

The Kogi-based team almost came close in the 54th minute when for the second time Anthony Jegede located Haruna Isah with a beautiful pass, and he, in turn, would have scored, but the Oyah defenders denied him.

He later put Kogi United FC ahead in the 61st minute when he tapped into an empty net from Anthony Jegede's assist.

After creating numerous chances upfront with the combined efforts of Jibril Abdulwahab, Haruna Isah, and Anthony Jegede but yielded no goal, Lawal Dauda stepped up, collected a pass, made a solo run from the left flank, dribbled past a defender before burying the ball behind a helpless Patrick Freeborn for Kogi United FC's second goal.

Oyah Sports FC, however, reduced the deficit after Kogi United FC's goalkeeper failed to deal with a free-kick delivered into his vital area.

Kogi United held on to their lead until the game came to an end.

The Technical Adviser of Kogi United, Coach Chidi Oji, said: "We actually anticipated this encounter to be tough, and it was indeed tough because every team here is gunning for the top spot, and we are not supposed to rest on our oars if we really want to remain top.

"Thank God my boys played according to instructions dished out to them during the break after the first 45 minutes ended goalless, and they delivered.

"Like I said after our first match, we are here for business and to pick the only slot, and that's what we are doing. I've told them not to let complacency get the better part of them.

"They should remain focused and be in a fighting mood until the top spot is fully secured."

In the second match of the day, Jakadiya Sports Club (JSC) fought hard to hold Niger Tornadoes Feeders to a 1-1 draw. Kogi United FC will next square up against Niger Tornadoes Feeders in Matchday 4 on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 4 pm.

NLO 2024: Kogi United FC beats Oyah Sports to remain top of Kontagora Centre league table

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