The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Under 17 Youth League commenced nationwide, and in the South-South zone, the young Feeders team of Bendel Insurance Football Club faced Rivers Utd in a thrilling encounter, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
The match, which took place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, witnessed Godstime Alakwe scoring the opening goal for the young Insurance team in the 34th minute. The Benin Arsenals went into halftime with a one-goal advantage.
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Upon resumption, Rivers Utd improved their performance and equalized in the 73rd minute, taking advantage of a mistake by the Insurance goalkeeper.
However, the young Benin Arsenals quickly responded, with Sylvester Eweka heading home a fine cross from Alakwe in the 75th minute to regain the lead.
In the 81st minute, a mild drama unfolded when an official of Rivers Utd Feeders, known as Ogbosor, engaged in a heated argument with the match officials, briefly halting the game for about three minutes.
Despite the interruption, the referee signalled five minutes of additional time after the regulation 90 minutes, during which Rivers Utd secured a last-minute equalizer, denying Insurance Feeders the maximum three points.
Dominion Osaghae of Insurance Feeders was named the Man of the Match. The 15-year-old central midfielder, who came in as a substitute, played a pivotal role in changing the game’s dynamics with his exceptional display and masterful passes.
In other South-South zone fixtures, Bayelsa Utd under 17 defeated their Akwa Utd counterparts 1-0 in the opening match.
Insurance Feeders will face Akwa Utd in their second fixture tomorrow at the same Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
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