12/07/2023
Naija Super 8: NPFL Transfer Market Hot Shot Atule scores brace against Akwa United, as Osho's unbeaten run comes to an end
Lobi stars Joseph Atule finally delivered in the Naija Super 8, for the Shoe Get Size boys, banishing memories of woeful misses in the last game, as Fatai Osho suffered his first loss as Akwa United's gaffer 0-2.
The first 13 minutes of the game saw an end-to-end encounter, as both teams had nothing to lose having made it to the semifinals from the group already; both were seeking the top spot position available for the winner of the tie.
A couple of chances, few and far between went wide, with a penalty shout for Akwa United's Wisdom Fernando, who after making a dazzling run into the box, appeared to have been fouled, but his penalty appeal was waved away by the referee, the Most notable one.
The Joseph Atule Show
Two minutes after, the Joseph Atule show was in full flow as he got the needed connection on a delightful cross from Waheed Adebayo to put the Pride of Benue in front.
The hottest property in the elite division determined to give the spectators and critics alike, a reminder of why he is the most sought-after player in the league at the moment, did just that with aplomb and in magnificent fashion.
He needed just eight minutes after the opener to score his brace and Lobi Stars' second, capitalizing on a mix-up in the Akwa United backline to bury the ball into the net in the 23rd minute.
The goal came just a couple of minutes right after an early substitution which saw Sadeeq Yusuf replace his namesake Sadeeq Rilwan for Akwa United.
The youngster who lost his dad during the super six tournament at the same venue was in imperious form, as his attempt in the 32nd minute narrowly missed the target, it was the most notable effort from both teams in the last 15mins of the half.
Atule's brace was the difference between both sides as Lobi Stars, took a comfortable two-goal lead into the break.
"Sugerball" adds Sugar to no avail
The second 45mins started with three changes from Suger ball, as Akwa United's gaffer is fondly called, just three minutes in. It saw Uche Collins, Yusuf Sadeeq, and Etim Mathew replaced by Osoba Kabir, Duke Osimaga, and Chukwuebuka Anthony as the gaffer sought to sweeten the scoreline in his favour.
The substitutions had little to no effect as coach Bala made a change for his side as well eight minutes after, bringing on Christian Madu for the workhorse Ahmadu Liman.
Fatai Osho Loses First Game as Akwa Utd Boss
There were a couple of Chances for the Promise Keepers to get back into the game, Cyril Olisema in particular impressive with a couple of missed chances and a goal ruled out as well, just a couple of minutes before full time, a signal that it wasn't going to be their day, failing to keep their promise to their fans watching on TV back at home.
With the third goal proving elusive for the shoe-get-size team as well, the pride of Benue didn't need to get into second gear, as they comfortably saw the game out 2-0 after 90 minutes plus three minutes extra.
The result against Lobi Stars is Fatai Osho's first loss as Akwa United Gaffer. Atule's first-half brace sends him to the top of the Naija Super 8 scorers chat. It was also enough, to claim all three points for the Coach Bala-led team, who finish top of Group B with 7 points while Akwa United finished as runners-up with 6 points.
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