NNL: Essien Strike Gives 10-man Osun Utd Three Points Against Tradesafe ln Lagos

 

NNL: Essien Strike Gives 10-man Osun Utd Three Points Against Tradesafe ln Lagos

It's a super victory for 10-man Osun Utd as host, Tradesafe FC was pegged back and crashed in their backyard following a superior masterclass performance by Omoluabi Giants who won 1-0 courtesy of Emmanuel Essien stunner at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos, in one of Nigeria National League Match Day 2 matches.

It's the first game of the season for Seye Ajayi tutored side who fielded nine of the squad that got the team promoted last season. Subairu Suleiman in goal posed a superlative performance in his debut game.

Victory for the visitors was difficult to envisage as Sultan Hameed received his second bookings following a hard tackle on his marker five minutes from the break. United brilliantly absorbed resulting pressure that characterized the closing moments of the first stanza.

Three minute after restart, Emmanuel Essien struct after collecting a well measured throw-in from wing back, Francis Odudu to send United and their travelling squad into frenzy.

A change of formation by Seye Ajayi led technical crew following enduring and laborious proceedings did wonders as 'Believe and Achieve' side inspired by wingers, Quozim Raheem and Yemi Ogunleye with long bursting press from Dayo Agbolade. Tradesafe FC were unlucky twice, being denied by woodwork fifteen minutes from full-time.

 

The last five minutes was greeted with tempo and more pressure but United was swiftly gifted another chance as substitutes, Babatunde Sodiq and Paul Abgor planned a long one to onrushing Emeka who dropped behind the line but was shoved inside six yard having dislodged Hasan Ismail in goal for Tradesafe FC but the host was lucky as referee refused to halt the incident. The show later turned to Afolabi and Goringo's  pairing at the back with Subairu Suleiman who maintained a clean sheet with man of the match performance.

At the blast of final whistle, Seye Ajayi was in cloud nine as players dedicated the victory to him, "It was a tough match for us as we were reduced to 10 man, that helped us to do what we wanted to do on-time. We were able to contain them as well as catching them unaware upfront, I want to sincerely appreciate my guys and congratulate them for securing the victory far away from home." Ex 3SC goal poacher stated.

Omoluabi Giants will return home to wait for Warri Wolves in match day three of the Nigeria National League on Saturday 2nd December 2023 at Osogbo Township Stadium.