Ikenna Osueke, Proprietor and sole financier of NLO2 bound Ozalla FC has proclaimed that his players made him ‘exceptionally proud’ after hitting four past EmmyKings in Wednesday afternoon’s NEROS/Anambra FA Cup quarter final clash at Rojenny Stadium, Oba, near Onitsha.
The ‘sweet’ victory means Ozalla would play in the semi finals of the championship for the first after crashing out in the quarter finals three consecutive times in the past.
The huge win man’s Ozalla will now meet Peace FC in the first semi final at NEROS Stadium, Nanka.
Peace FC, runners-up in 2022, sealed their place in the last four following a 4-2 penalty kicks win against Ochonma FC following a 1-1 regulation time scoreline.
“I feel very, very happy. The boys have made me ‘exceptionally proud’ today”, young club boss, Ikenna Osueke said this some moments after the final whistle.
“First, we won very convincingly with 4-0 scoreline. Again, the players played a fantastic game, very dominant and bossed their opponents all through the 90 minutes.
“Of course, and most importantly is the fact that we’re able to break the quarter final barrier atleast for once.
“In the past, we’ve reached the quarter finals three times and on each occasion, we lost to FC IfeanyiUbah.
“Today, we’ve broken that jinx and I’m happy and grateful to God”, Osueke said.
He remained positive about the semi final, stressing that it won’t be out of place for them to reach the final.
“This could be our year, yes, who knows?. We can win in the Semis and get the opportunity to play in the national (Federation Cup) stage.
“Impossible is nothing, hard work and grace of God can see us through”.
Victor Innocent handed Ozalla the lead 22 minutes after kick off.
Ebuka Ewudo doubled their lead with a sumptuous free kick into the top corner, leaving EmmyKings goalkeeper with no chance.
Chidera Michael produced perhaps the most thrilling moment of the game, waltzing through the left hand channel, screening of EmmyKings players as they come challenging.
His dribbling skill overwhelmed his markers as he turned on the edge of the area and let go a right footed effort into the near post. It was a beauty of an individual effort.
Even at 3-0,,free scoring Ozalla, who dumped Hopeland,FC in the quarters with a 5-1 drubbing, appeared not yet done.
Their cosmetic and ‘tikki-takka’ game, left their opponents almost admiring them do their thing, as well as drawing loud applause from the stands.
With five minutes remaining on the clock, Ejike Brown drove home the 4th goal after series of near perfect exchange of passes to bring the final scores to 4-0.
