Seyi Joshua
It's a battle of Titans between National League side Osun United and Nationwide League outfit Minda FC of Gboko, Benue State, in the round of sixty four (64) of 2018 NFF Aiteo Cup competition inside the pitch (A) of University of Benin.
Fate had it on a good note as Coach Osama was delighted to keep a date with his former side presently tutored by one time Super Eagles mercurial midfielder Duke Udi.
'Believe and Achieve' gladiators who were dubbed FA Cup 'giants killer' started the show on a shaky note but were duly rewarded early in the game from the spot kick when United point man Hamed Rasheed was nudged heavily by Minda's keeper inside his own area.
Despite falling behind early, Minda's lads picked up themselves, bossing the midfield and dictating the tempo with brimming confidence, spinning endlessly in the flanks and they were duly rewarded at the death of first stanza.
United would later secured a vital win via Oginni's wicked, precise and rewarding freekick from 25yards out, thereby shooting the team to next round.
The rating proper.
Nurudeen Lateef (5.5)
United keeper rose into limelight midway last season and since then, he has gained a requisite experience and confidence needed to excel at the top. A vociferous and reliable stopper with sharp reflexes, of a truth, he conceded a goal beyond his control. The former FC Ebiede trainee later saved few goal bound chances, stretching with a monkey dive in quick succession to keep his side in contention. He should improve on his communication with four men infront of him per time.
Oginni Olatubosun (5)
The Shooting Stars loanee was not impressive in the first stanza, he was unsettled by ravaging and marauding winger. His swinging are weak and weren't precise. His atoned goal would be a learning curve in the future games.
Hamidu Aliyu (5.5)
The 'Air Force' man as he's fondly called by the coach had an impressive outing.
He was always found in attack. However, his output from crosses and decisive passes must improve against a better opposition.
Olatunji Dare (5.5)
A one man Mopol in the midfield. He kept things simple and decent this time around. He wasn't wasteful with his volleys, an act that disgusts his fans most at times. However, he should be more efficient position wise.
Suraj Sodiq (6.0)
The stand in captain exhibited his leadership credentials with ease, foiling any threat by his opponents in the dangerous area. His first official goal since arriving from FC Ifeanyi Ubah was registered. He was later booked due to lack of concentration.
Afolabi Olatubosun (6.0)
The former Remo Stars was so delightful to watch at the back. He was handy always without switching gears. He is partners favorite with decent marking and timely intercepts. A great and brilliant future ahead of him.
Uche Okorie (4.5)
The latest addition to the pack. The agile striker showed some brilliant moments in his first competitive game for the club. Though his substitution was purely tactical, he would definitely need more games to settle well and start banging.
George James (4.5)
Nicknamed 'Ballack', he was saddled with responsibility of linking midfield with attack. He was found wanting in most of his runs at the thick of action. The attitude which his trainer would later frowned at. The former Tornadoes' wiper snuffed out few possible threats also.
Victor Okeji (5)
The pacy winger had few unproductive runs with his positional drift towards the middle. He succeeded in few take ons and quickly gathers to help the man behind him. He was later rested to increase the momentum in the middle of the pack.
Rasheed Hamed (6.5)
Osun United next beast. He shrugged off flu lately to make the squad. He was so efficient in the air. He showed a great intent in influencing the match and won a penalty kick early in the first half. His bullying nature would benefits his scoring instinct. He is not afraid to pull the trigger.
Fadairo David (6)
He was excellent with his speed, consistently proving superior to his markers. He was supposed to be rewarded with a goal, save the water logged pitch that frustrates his effort after rounding up the defensive apparatus. However, he must be consistent.
Reserves
Memud Akorede (3.5)
The former Ebedei winger tasted twenty (20) minutes of action, the extremely wet pitch really affected his decent runs. He still has his eyes on goal anytime any day.
Olalere Hakeem (4)
Kebu's introduction at the start of the second half brought stability into the midfield. His passing was top notch and had few pops at goal. He was unlucky for not providing the insurance goal after being denied at point blank in the final third.
Damola Fakayode (4)
He tasted few minutes of action. Fakayode's presence on the pitch is commanding and must be better utilised and improved against a better opposition. He had one short on target and one short off target.
Ayo Ojo (Unused)
Mojeed Yusuf (Unused)
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