Osun United on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at the Osogbo Township Stadium, bagged a precious three points following a lone goal victory over Delta Force in an explosive week 14 encounter of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL).
The ‘Omoluabi Giants’, who were condemned to the relegation zone after losing to Giant Brillars in Enugu last weekend began the game with an offensive, attacking display from the blast of the whistle as the two newly recruited goal-getters, Niyi Balogun and Hammed Hammed became thorns in the flesh of Delta Force defence, guarded by Okeke Collins and Onyeka Odieh.
Hammed Hammed could have registered his first goal in the 10th minute after he outclassed Collins to connect a well-tailored pass from Niyi but his fantastic goal was wrongfully ruled for offside by the AR1.
The visitors also made some moves as they intermittently pounced forward with good combination between Ihezuo Emmanuel and Deruo Chima who were however prevented from causing havoc by Olatunbosun Afolabi and in-form United’s ‘iron gate’, Jerry Okon, flanked by Francis Odudu and Mutiu Dauda as the first half ended goalless.
The second half started slowly with few chances by both sides until the introduction of Adio Monsuru for the former Delta Force player, Yomi Olaoke and Jabar Anifowose for Niyi Balogun. This restored the vigour into United’s attack as the visitors were forced to drawback.
A good exchange of passes by former Sunshine Stars midfielder, Sadiq Ridwan and Jabar Anifowose nearly resulted in a goal in the 60th minute but Jabar’s shot was parried into the corner by Force’s shot-stopper Onyemobi Somadina.
The golden opportunity came in the 78th minute when a long kick by Okon from United’s defence was sparked-nodded by Jabar to an on-rushing, left-footed Mutiu Dauda, who met it with a screamer as Somadina stood helpless and watched the bullet of a shot hit the back of the net.
There were few other chances afterwards until the final whistle was sounded after the additional four minutes.
Speaking after the match, Osun United Coach, Bright Omokaro (MON) expressed happiness at the victory but frowned at the disallowed goal by Hammed, saying the goal should have stood.
“We played better today and we’re able to create chances. Our first attempt which was disallowed was a clean goal but we thank God that we won. The job is not yet finished as our attention is now shifted to the game against Rovers in Calabar, where we hope to avenge the first leg loss.”
Osun United, with the result, have moved two points off the relegation zone and will be a guest to Rovers in Calabar next weekend, the same day when Delta Force will be hosting Dynamite Force in a South-South derby in Ogwashi Uku.
