Olamilekan Folayemi
The Southwestern derby between Osun United and Ekiti United in one of the week 1 Nigeria National League matches (2021/2022) started on a bright note with the host team taking the battle to the visitors.
First half of the battle of brothers ended goalless as Osun United failed to create an major dangerous incursion in the half of Ekiti United.
Ekiti United captain, Adewale Makanjuola being one of the few old players left in the team was at his best keeping Osun United at bay but the goalkeeper of Osun United had little or nothing to do while the match lasted.
On resumption for the second half, Osun United came all out but yet could not make any headway with Ekiti United FC defenders working hard to curtail the excesses of the hosts.
The controversial moment came in the 63rd minutes when the centre referee surprisingly signalled a goal even when the aerial ball had obviously not crossed the line.
Ekiti United players were flabbergasted at the officiating but the technical crew encouraged them to continue without worries.
The match stood at 1 nil until the extra time when a long range shot left the Ekiti United defenders unawares as the goalkeeper and captain, Adewale Masebinu who was rated man of the match was unconsciously exposed.
2 nil the NNL week 1 match ended in favor of Osun United even as the management of the team said they had done enough home work to deserve the victory.
The departure of most of the players that played for Ekiti United last season took its toll on the cohesion of the team as the quartet of Bolu Afolabi, Seyi Akinwumi, Timothy Akinyemi and Wale Makanjuola were the only old players in the starting line up though Abilogun who is also an old player was brought in as a substitute.
Secretary of Ekiti United, Ayodeji Olowolafe urged the players not to be deterred with an assurance that the team would bounce back.
Ekiti United’s next match is at home against Abeokuta Stormers in another Southwestern derby next weekend.
In other matches in group B1 of the Nigeria National League week 1, Ikorodu United played goalless with Giant Brillars while Gateway United beat Campos FC 2 nil.
A match is billed for Sunday as Abeokuta Stormers will host Ibom Youth.