FC ONE Rocket made history on Sunday after defeating Vandrezzer FC 3-1 to book a place in the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 for the first time in the club’s three-year history.
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Wonderson Yakubu’s fifth-minute strike, Paul Ogunkoya’s well-taken penalty and Bidemi Obodu’s late spectacular strike sealed the win for the Indomitable at the Eket Stadium, while Lookman Azeez’s 90th minute header could not save the Lions of Naija from defeat.
A lively start for FC ONE Rocket saw Nasiru Jibril’s effort from the edge of the box going wide, before Wonderson Yakubu grabbed the opener with a left-footed strike from a tight angle, thanks to Nasiru’s precise pass.
Paul Ogunkoya forced Obinna Akuchie to a save moments later with a glancing header, and also had another header narrowly miss the target.
William Julius’ shot slightly sailed over the bar in the first half, while Saviour Isaac had his moment and almost equalized for Vandrezzer FC, but his effort went just millimetres over the crossbar to keep the score line at 1-0 into the break.
Paul Ogunkoya then doubled the lead in the 74th minute – sending Akuchie the wrong way from the spot after Wonderson Yakubu was brought down, before Bidemi Obodu grabbed the third for the hosts with a rocket from an almost impossible angle.
Vandrezzer FC’s late response through Lookman Azeez’s header was late and could not conjure any comeback as the Indomitable sealed a 3-1 win.
Post match thoughts of FC ONE Rocket head coach, Ndubisi Ndah
“Great performance from my kids. I give them kudos. I praise them. I am happy for their performance and I think it’s bringing happiness to most of us, especially the followers of the Indomitables.
“The reality is that I have a crop of players that are determined to work. I am giving them the work and they are assimilating the work and that is the result of what you have just seen.”
On his team’s qualification for the Super 8 and the challenge ahead, Ndah said:
“From the beginning of the league, we said all we’re going for is promotion. We have gotten the ticket now to go for the final 8. It is now left in our hands to do more work…we forget about the past and look forward to the future.
“We hope that we are going to conquer…I believe they (the players) can do it… I believe we shall come back smiling.”
Reaction of FC ONE Rocket captain, Ugochukwu Obiri
“The feeling is so good. It’s a wonderful feeling being in the first position…God has been faithful to us.”
Obiri praised his teammates for the dedication exhibited this season.
“They are the best we have ever had…they are very wonderful players and I give it to them.”
The Effect:
FC ONE Rocket qualify for the NNL Super 8, thanks to Rovers FC’s goalless draw away at Go-Round.
Up Next:
A final day showdown with Warri Wolves at the Oleh Township Stadium in Delta State will mark the end of the regular season for the Indomitables.
FC ONE Rocket Players Used:
Lordful Philip (GK), Bidemi Obodu, Harrison Ebah, Charles Etim, James Sunday, Ugochukwu Obiri (Joshua Sunday 82′), Nasiru Jibril (Ambrose Ochigbo 25′), Julius William (Efe Kegbe 46′), Clinton Jephta, Paul Ogunkoya, Wonderson Yakubu (Samuel Anietie 82′)
Players Not Used:
Bright Osah, Ugochukwu Agucho, Solomon Boyo, Mohammed Muawiyya, Biram Haladji (GK)
