City FC Abuja thrilled supporters to optimum entertainment at the Area 10 sports complex against Mighty Jets International FC.
It was the first match for ‘The Citizens’ in the Group A1 of the Northern Conference in the 2021/2022 Nigerian National League.
‘The citizens of Naija’ didn’t waste much time before registering their first ever goal in the league – in the 4th minute through wizardry striker Emmanuel Ihezuo.
Perfectly positioned in the six yard box, the young and prolific striker received a weighted pass from his teammate just inside the box, controlled and cut to his left and weaker foot impeccable, before drilling his low drive home.
It was like the windows of heaven were let loosed. With supporters hitting their drums and singing ferociously , ‘the Citizens of Naija’ summoned the needed strength to hold an iron grip on the game for the entirety of the first half.
Though the lads came close to doubling the tally through some couple of missed chances.
In the 35th minute, Emmanuel got yet another neatly threaded pass from Abraham to score but the effort was chalked off for offside – to the dismay of the passionate crowd.
The second half started rather slowly as ‘the Citizens’ had to soak up plenty of pressure from the visitors in the opening 25 minutes.
However, City pulled the rug from under their opponents when Emmanuel Ihezuo who has got a cannon of a boot on him scored his brace to increase the tally in the most dramatic fashion – just 11 minutes before full time.
With less than 10 minutes to go, the visitors were taken out of the picture completely and ‘The Citizens’ couldn’t wait any further for the blast of the referee’s final whistle at full time.
Finally, it ended in a hard-fought and historic win for City FC.
POST MATCH REACTIONS
Oko Sunday Achadu – Technical Adviser, City FC Abuja
“I’m excited but will never allow that excitement to get to me and my boys. It’s just the beginning, we’ll have to go back and do the necessary. We must always take each game the way it comes. By His grace, we will keep the fire burning. I was overwhelmed (by the turnout of fans for the match), I really appreciate their concern, the love and solidarity they showed to me and my boys.”
Okafor Ugochukwu – Captain, City FC Abuja
“I feel very excited seriously (for the victory) and I really thank God for the victory. We are young, and a new team and we have a very strong coaching crew – we are ready to shock the Nigerian League. Our best is yet to come and we just thank God for today’s victory. We have a strong psychologist, Honourable Chidi Emmanuel who makes us understand that football is not by name, it is (by) what you do in the field of play. We thank God the fans came to support us. Our target is to get promotion. It doesn’t matter if we are new , but our main target is to finish top.”
Emmanuel Ihezuo – Goal Scorer
“I feel good and normal. I thank Good for the victory and the goals. The defenders of Mighty Jets are
good but I believe and trust in myself. These goals mean a lot for me because I know very soon, God will do much more.”
City FC 2-0 Mighty Jets Int. FC
4′ , 79′ Emmanuel Ihezuo
