A solitary effort from Taofeek Otaniyi of Ijebu United FC in the early going was all the home side needed to see off Solution FC in one of the match day 5 fixtures of the ongoing 2023/24 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Two changes were made to the side that defeated Osun United on match day four as skipper David Okoye returned to the fold for Charles Egbe who was on the bench with Charles Onwuchekwa making a debut appearance replacing Solomon Ubong who did not make the match day list.
Uche Okagbue’s side succumbed to an early deficit as the defense line failed to stop Taofeek Otaniyi on his tracks as he befuddled two of his markers before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner of the post beyond Solution FC shot stopper who tried to make himself big to stop the ball.
Damian Nwankwo should have done better in the box after being teed by skipper David Okoye in the 23rd minute but the former miscued the glorious opportunity. In the 40th minute just before the break, Joseph Onyeka had a long range effort from about 40 yards out saved by United goalkeeper Ganiu Odumade who was alert to deny the Solution Boys.
In the second half, skipper David Okoye of Solution FC had a chance to restore parity failing to poke home from 12 yards with a poor finish after a goalkeeping gaffe by Odumade. Moments later, the United shot stopper denied Solution’s Joseph Onyeka’s belter which was goal bound.
Substitute Cosmas Ukoh missed a sitter, the best opportunity of the game in a one-on-one situation with his effort just inches wide off the mark after the solution boys transited from defense to attack in a corner kick advantage for the home side. Goalkeeper Chinedu Nwabueze was alert and came to the rescue of Solution FC denying Segun Oloruntoba what could have been the second of the game.
The home side kept their composure defending stoutly and occasionally embarking on a quick counter attacking move as time ran out on Solution Boys.
Solution FC will next face Crown FC in Match Day 6 coming up on Friday, 22nd December 2023 at the Awka City Stadium.
Source/Solution FC Media
