By Hananeel Jackson
Substitute Ebitimi Agogu spot-kick on 58 minutes gave Bayelsa United a one-nil victory over visitors Joy Cometh Fc of Lagos in a matchday eleven encounter in the Southern conference group B2 of the Nigeria National League, NNL decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
United fielded a lineup that looks relatively different from the usual starters as John Shaibu took the place of Issiaka Ogoubiye while Kelly Lubo, Andrew Ejiogu, and goalkeeper Ebikabowei Concul made a return after two years.
Ebitimi Agogu gave the hosts the lead from spot-kick when Ogundare Isiaq brought down Endurance Ebedebiri in the eighteen-yard box as he stepped forward to send Akintola Labi the wrong way.
Robert Mizo had earlier in the first half missed a chance to put the hosts ahead via a well-laid through ball from Okardi Inikurogha but his effort was blocked by Ogundare Isiaq as the visitors did not allow Bayelsa United to gain access into their half in the first half.
The visitors responded just before the half-time mark when Ibrahim Gbenga set up Olugbile Jafar for the opener but was saved by John Shaibu who had a great game in the absence of Issiaka Ogoubiye.
Victory Beniangba almost doubled the score for Bayelsa United on 76 minutes as he stylishly dribbled the trio of Ayandiran, Ilelaboye Adam, and Ogundare Isiaq but twice hit the woodwork.
The result leaves Bayelsa United on seventeen points after eleven games as the Yenagoa based side will now travel to Ogbomosho to face Crown Fc on Wednesday while Joy Cometh will be at home to Abia Comets of Umuahia.
Despite the defeat, Head Coach of Joy Cometh, Alabi Kazeem noted that he was impressed by the performance of his lads, attributing the loss to his team’s inability to take their chances in the first half time, describing the penalty awarded against his team as soft.
He explained that with the solidity of his team at the back, he was sure of getting a promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League, adding that they would recruit more players in mid-season to strengthen the team.
Apparently not satisfied with the performance of his players, the Technical adviser of Bayelsa United Diepreye Teibowei described the performance of his boys as average, stressing that the visitors were motivated by his striker’s wastefulness in front of goal.
Coach Teibowei stated that his team’s performance was due to the injury suffered by some key players in the team, adding that the result was the more important.
Also, experienced defender Hassan Oladimeji said he was happy for the three points after last week’s defeat at Bendel Insurance, assuring supporters of the team of a return to the NPFL.
He expressed optimism that Bayelsa United would secure points away from home as the league progresses.
