Madiba FC has been crowned champions of the 2021/22 Nationwide League One season after they pipped Malantarki Care FC by a lone goal in the Super 8 final in Lagos.
The Oshodi-based team who ended the regular season unbeaten, lived up to the hype as they went on without losing a game in the champion of champions play-off that was held at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos.
An epic final was as they took the game to FCT-based Malantarki Care and showed their superiority.
Their attacking play was rewarded with a goal in the 28th minute after Rabiu Nurudeen beat the offside flag to chip the ball beyond the reach of Edward Ameh in goal for Malantarki Care.
Malantarki could have levelled scores before heading to the break but Madiba FC had Mohammed Tijani to thank, as he showed class in goal, after he made a brilliant save to deny the boys from the FCT.
One nil it, as Madiba FC went into the dressing room with signs of relief while Malantarki Care was left to rue their poor defending.
It was a one-sided second half as the last half an hour of the game was between Madiba FC and Ameh, as he made countless saves to keep the scoreline decent for Malantarki Care FC.
Malantarki Care’s search for the equalizing goal proved a little too late, despite the five minutes of added time, as Madiba FC kept their defence under locks and keys and ran away with the trophy.