By: Tony Ademodi
A 47th minute strike from Nonso Uzodiegwu ensured Fc IfeanyiUbah took maximum 3 points against Lobi Stars Fc on Sunday in Nnewi, on Matchday 1, in a game that had full Covid 19 compliance.
FCIU coach Uche Okagbue gave starts to his new youngsters in Abel James, Samuel Matthew, Paul Chillom, Abel James, with last season campaigners Ekene Awazie, Sharp Uzoigwe also in his Starting XI.
Lobi Stars FC coach Kabiru Dogo started the game with Abdulkareem Mumimi and Ossy Martin’s spear heading his attack, while former FC IfeanyiUbah player Adeyele Olamilekon, Ebube Duru, Yisa Anifowoshe and Emeka Isaac made up the back four.
The away team started showing intent early in the 5th minute after Abdulkareem Mumimi’s pass found Victor Arikpo close to the 18 yard box. but his strike from 18 yards was saved by FCIU Goalkeeper Sharp Uzoigwe
In the 14th minute FCIU Paul Chillom made a good run into Lobi stars box, but was flagged offside by the referee.
The game went on with both side missing scoring opportunities especially Lobi stars striker Abdul Minimi in the 27th and 36th minutes as both teams went into the dugout goalless at half time.
However the deadlock was broken in the 47 minute after a good pass from Uzochukwu Ifejiofor found Nonso Udodiegwu who sloted home beating Lobi stars goalkeeper Mustapha Aliko.
With Lobi stars conceding, Coach Kabiru Dogo introduced strikers Chinonso Okonkwo and Samuel Mattias for Thomas Zeke and Tisa Samuel.
Thier introduction saw immediate impact on the “Markurdi” based team, as Chinonso Okonkwo almost got an equalizer in the 70th minute after his flicked headed effort on goal was saved by the FCIU goalkeeper Sharp Uzoigwe.
FCIU coach Uche Okagbue seeing that his team was being under pressure, had to introduce Lukman Aliu for Maxwell Ijomah, while John Taska was withdrawn for Eric Oguocha, to help shore up the defence.
Lobi stars continued pressing forward for an equalizer, but the “Anambra Warriors” held on and celebrated their win after 90 minutes of play.
Speaking to www.npfl.com after the game FCIU coach Uche Okagbue was full of praise for his players.
“I am happy that we won here against Lobi Stars, we knew it wasn’t gonna be an easy game, as they are a tactical side. they played better in the first half, but were poor in front of goal, so we came back in the second half and did a good job”. My players are very young with an average age of 23, but they gave a good account of themselves today”.
While Lobi stars coach Kabiru Dogo blamed the loss to the playing turf.
” I think FCIU were lucky to have won the game, we played better, but we failed to convert the chances that came our way.”
“Also the playing turf here also contributed to my players not scoring, because the turf doesn’t allow for good movement of the ball”
The former Sunshine Stars FC of Akure Nassarawa United Coach however was happy with the resumption of the League.
“I am happy that the league is back, I believe this will help keep our players in good shape, and kudos to League Management Company (LMC) for ensuring that the league kicked off”.
