By Oham Precious
Bello Mohammed’s solitary strike in the 26th minute ensured that SKE FC amasses the maximum points in an enthralling week 2 NLO pre-season tournament, decided on Tuesday, 16th February 2021 at Joseph Yobo Mini Stadium, Igbokwu Pitch D/Line.
SKE FC came into the game beaming with high confidence after their impressive win over Benedi United in the week 1 fixture.
Coach Ifeanyi Nwachukwu of SKE FC made one change from the side that defeated Benedi United in their last game – Prince Ovunda replaced Joe Chris. The visitors on their part made six changes from the side that were beaten at home by Dolphins FA. Coach Abedi Prince introduced Ifeanyi Dimgba, Chile Wosu, Chima Orji, Raphael Isaac, Mie Leggjack, and Fred Junior.
Willbros started on a strong footing when Ifeanyi Okpara saw his effort from 25 yards rattle the crossbar in the 10th minute. Three minutes later, SKE were reduced to 10-Men. The midfielder, Chukwurah Nnabuife was given the marching order for a crunching tackle on his marker.
Willbros couldn’t capitalize on the man-advantage as their opponents struck first on the 26th minute. Bello Mohammed was left in space to unleash a low-driven shot into the bottom corner that beat Ifeanyi Dimgba in goal for Willbros.
Willbros upped their game at the restart as Coach Abedi Prince introduced fresh legs in their quest to get the equalizer. They dictated play as their opponents defended doggedly.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, substitute Manfred Ngerebo made a decisive clearance to deny Michael Akindele who dazzled into the box. A second bookable offense for Raphael Isaac saw him been issued a red card after he tripped down Patrick Osuagwu.
The last chance of the game fell to Jerry Abah who threaded exceptionally in the box and unleashed a right-footed shot that was punched out for a corner kick by Ikechi Chuku as SKE coast home victorious.
Speaking after the game, Coach Ifeanyi Nwachukwu praised his players for the victory.
” The hard work of the players gave us the win. They doubled their efforts despite been one-man down which worked out for them. They adhered to the game plan which gave us the victory.”
Coach Abedi Prince of Willbros FC bemoaned his players for failing to utilize their chances.
” We couldn’t utilize our chances. Our opponents had that one shot at goal which resulted to a goal. It’s football where you win and lose. We will prepare for our next game and bounce back and better.”
SKE FC will take on Dolphins FA in their next game on 20th of February 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School at 3:00 pm while Willbros FC welcome Benedi United on 19th of February 2021 at the Training Pitch of Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium at 8: 00 am.
SKE FC Team List:
Ikechi Chuku, Zedi Omokhodion, Samuel Monday, Ebere Akaka, Prince Ovunda, Chukwurah Nnabuife, Ikechukwu Onuoha (Oscar Nwimo) Musa Kundi, Nelson Eruteyan (Manfred Ngerebo) Mohammed Bello ( Jeremiah Egbo) Patrick Osuagwu (Muri Saka)
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES:
Maxwell Jaja, Anyim Oscar, Prince Honesty, Emmanuel Tamuno, and Sunday Iboro.
