A first half goal from academy graduate, Abdulwahab Jubril gave Kogi United a deserve one nil victory over Kada City in the Matchday Two of Nigeria National League, NNL encounter on Saturday.
The goal scored in the 25th minute of the match earned United their first win of the season.
United returned to their traditional Confluence Stadium in Lokoja after grinding out a point in their opening day match against Oyah Sports last week in Abuja.
Kada City could have taken the lead inside sixth minutes to the match but Shaibu Abdullahi’s shot hit side of the net after beating United defender, Oladapo Tunde.
Jubril had his first first chance of the game in the ninth minutes but placed his half volleyed effort wide.
The hosts took full control of the game as they kept pressing Kada City deep looking for an opening.
The pressure would soon pay off in the 25 minutes when Jubril – a product of Kogi United youth system- capitalized on a let off in Kada defense to smash home from close range.
Kada responded quickly and almost even the scoreline at half an hour mark when Musa Basiru had beaten United’s keeper Salisu Ogbe but experienced full back, Tijani Adams arrived on time to head out of danger.
The boys from Kaduna State tried to get back into the game with their swift counter attacking style but United held on to their half time lead.
Kogi United grew more stronger on resumption and could have buried the game early enough but fell short ideas in the final third.
Wilson Tony, John Jerome, Omajagu Umoru and Salisu Tanko couldn’t make their near perfect opportunities count.
Kada City were reduced to 10 men with two minutes after the hour mark when Musa Basiru was sent off for his horrible challenge on Stephen Musa.
The hosts couldn’t make use of their numerical advantage to kill the game with another goal as they kept on with misses.
Kada emptied their remaining gas to the match and almost get something from it but substitute Isa Usman guided Hakeem Adeyemo’s low cross a bit wide from target and handed all points to their hosts.
Kogi United with four points from opening two games will next face Malumfashi FC in Katsina while Kada City hosts Kebbi United in Kaduna.
