A 79th minute stunner from Ikenna Ibezim, was enough to seal a win for Prime Football Club over Abia Comets Football Club of Umuahia in a keenly contested Nigeria National League Week 8 game.
Prime dominated most of the game, but not without a few warnings from Comets through counter attack at the Oshogbo Township Stadium.
The Umuahia side started the tie strongly and managed to win a couple of possession in the early minutes of the game, but poor shooting on the part of the forwards did not help their course.
The Omoluabi Giants step into the game with Alaji Rasaq, Hakeem Olalere and Adeyemi Adeyeye, exerted their presence in the game and took control of proceedings. They over-powered the midfield but could not find the breakthrough as Comets goalkeeper, Izundu Njoku, did so well with incredible saves to end the first half goalless.
It didn’t take long for the 'Believe and Achieve' gladiators to push their noses in front on resumption with the pressure kept coming but were frustrated with making any headway centrally against the compact Comets side.
A good opportunity for Alaji Rasaq in the 59th minute, was desperately unlucky when he hit the woodwork with his shot and then Comets defenders reacted quickly to clear off danger zone.
In the 60th minute, good build-up play and another great shot from Adeyemi Adeyeye was handled by Innocent Gabriel inside the box and a penalty was awarded, but Lekan Oseolohun, couldn’t quite steer the ball on target as his kick hits the woodwork.
Ibezim, broke the deadlock in the 79th minute through a ballistic shot from the edge of the box that cut Izundu napping and that goal turned out to be the match winner.
Despite having conceded the goal, Comets were proactive and dominated proceedings, pilled pressure on Prime in search for the equalizer. They created chances, but the defence of Prime were too strong to beat.
Damola Fakayode was looking for second goal in the 86th minute, but Comets keeper Izundu was alert to the danger, trapping the shot well.
Prime Coach, Shina Afolabi, praised his wards for showing great character but rued the missed chances that came their way.
“We thank God for the victory. Abia Comets played well, but if we had converted the chances we got, the margin of victory would have been wider and I think there goalkeeper was at his best to deny us lots of goals,” Afolabi told PRIME FC MEDIA.
Comets gaffer, Victor Nwakama, also fielded questions after the contest and eulogized the two teams for good football artistry.
"It was a good game, Prime played very well and we also gave good account of ourselves. We will go back home and prepare well for COD United," he said.
Prime are now fourth on the log with 12 points from eight matches.
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