After half an hour of action at the Kontagora Township Stadium on Friday between Jikadawa Sports Fc and Kogi United without anything to show for it, an opportunity to make the difference came in the 37 minutes when winger Nuhu Daniel sent a long pass from a vantage position through to Jibril Abdulwahab and the ball which was almost going out for goal kick was rallied back into action by the former Akwa United youthful prodigy who quickly regained balance, dribbled past a defender before sending it across the opponents goal line to meet a well positioned Haruna Isah who inturn toed the ball into the far corner of the net beating a helpless Jerry Joseph for the only goal of the encounter.
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Kogi United Fc Technical Adviser Chidi Oji kept faith with the same side that edge Oyah Sports Fc few days ago only resting Rabiu Umar for Sadiq Abdulrasheed to man the sticks. Every other department remain intact and the lads didn’t disappoint as they got the job done perfectly seeing off Jikadawa Sports Fc to remain top of the Kontagora NLO Playoff Centre.
All effort by Kogi United to add to their tally before the break proved abortive. Not even the introduction of Lawal Dauda who was on top of his game could break down the Suleja based side. Haruna isah’s goal caused them pain and they came out boiling hot like wounded Lions.The first half ended with Kogi United Fc in front.
The second half came alive immediately the break was over and Lawal Dauda known for his dribbles and pace kept pushing through and tormenting the defense backline of JSC and would have doubled the lead after Anthony Jegede sent a pass his way, he had only Jerry Joseph to beat but was quickly dispossessed.
Several entreaties by Anthony Jegede, Lawal Dauda, Jibril Abdulwahab was thwarted by the defence of JSC and not long after, Jerry Joseph came hard on Jibril Abdulwahab, sending him out of the pitch after he rose high to catch an aerial ball coming but instead buried his knee into Jibril’s rib. The referee however booked him. Kogi United Captain Salisu Tanko was also a constant threat on the flank.
Abdulbaki Bello was quickly sent in to replace the injured Jibril Abdulwahab and his introduction added more firepower upfront as the attack became more daring. Anthony Jegede was a thorn in the flesh for the Suleja side but they did well to keep him at bay no matter how hard he tried.
The JSC side also tried hard to wreck havoc by trying to penetrate Kogi United defence after another of their wing wizard Adebayo Shariff who has been absolutely outstanding throughout the playoff was brought in. All their trials met stiff resistance as Sadiq Abdulrasheed was well covered by Moses Kayode, Isaac Mbom, Halidu Adamu and Hassan Lawal.
POST MATCH REACTION
Speaking to Kogi United Media after the game, Coach Chidi Oji said:
” I have to acknowledge and give thanks to God and of course the boys who did the job. The job is still not yet done and the top spot not yet fully secured. We will have to win our last match against Niger Tornadoes Feeders tomorrow before we can chant Uhuru ”
” On tomorrow’s game against Niger Tornadoes Feeders, I have absolute confidence in the boys, Strong and maximum believe that they will complete the Job because they knows what’s at stake. We will get it done that I can say for sure ”
In the first game of the day, Confluence Stars Fc were defeated by Niger Tornadoes Feeders after letting in 2 goals in the first half but however rallied round to reduce the deficit in the second half and would have levelled up before the end of the game.
Kogi United Fc victory over Jikadawa Sports Fc means they remain top of the group with 9 Points closely followed by tornadoes Feeders on 7 points and the game tomorrow morning will decide who move to the next and final round of the Nationwide League One Playoffs.
