03/07/2024
Obansa Ibraheem became the first player to score the first goal in the 2024 13th edition of Ènyídúdú Unity Cup Football ⚽ Competition as United Pillars Fc of Idare breezed past Checkpoint Fc of Checkpoint.
The curtain raiser game that went down at the Ènyídúdú Mini Stadium 🏟, Èbogogo, Adavi, Kogi State on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, was witnessed by tens of thousands of soccer ⚽ across Kogi central and beyond.
The number citizen of Adavi LGA, Hon. Rasheed Bashiru Okatengwu defiled the downpour that almost overshadowed the matchday one, led other top personalities to the match venue, assuring the organizers of his unwavering support.
He then exchanged pleasantries with the players and afterwards performed the ceremonial kickoff.
United Pillars Fc set the tone for action, and they looked better from the blast of the whistle.
The Idare boys took the lead from the spot in the 14 minutes through Ibraheem Ad Ei Za after sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
That goal separated both teams at the break as the center referee paved the way for some refreshing moments and pep talks.
When action resumed in the second half, the Careca boys continued from where they left it.
They took the game to their opponents, testing the goalkeeper on several occasions.
Coach Muhammed Careca quickly made some changes in order to reenergize his side.
One of the substitutes, Onuchi Dennis became a constant threat to the defense line of Checkpoint Fc.
The pacy winger was an instant hit, creating huge moments to the delight of the fans.
In the 74 minutes, United doubled the advantage, thanks to a loose ball ⚽ from Abanda Isaac, and Samuel Bright delightfully put the ball past the goalie.
Two will soon become three as Onuchi Dennis scored a beauty of a goal in the space of one minute to spark more celebrations among the Idare fans.
With time running out, the technical crew of Checkpoint Fc made bold to introduce more men in an attempt to at least salvage a point.
That idea 💡 almost payoff as they were rewarded with a penalty in the 83 minutes following a handball in the box.
Abanda Isaac stepped forward, took it and scored to reduce the deficit.
That goal gave the Checkpoints warriors a little bit of lifeline as they threw everything at their opponents.
They were however wary of Dennis at the other end.
Adamu Abdullahi Ọzọvèhè however grabbed a second goal for Checkpoint Fc inside 5 of the 6 minutes of added time in what turns out to be the final kick in the tensed game.
2-3 final score, a result that saw Checkpoint Fc topping group A at the moment.
Actions continue on Thursday, July 4th, 2024, with two matches lined up among four teams.
The first match will see Inike United Fc trade tackles with Badoko United Fc by 1:30 pm.
While the second and final match of the day will see Nagazi Stars Fc taking on multiple winners, Young Arsenal Fc of Ebogogo by 3pm 🕒.
All matches will be played at the Ènyídúdú Mini Stadium 🏟, Èbogogo, Adavi, Kogi State.
Ahmad Emmanuel, reporting
