By Ikenna Nwokedi
Pope John Paul (PJP) All Stars FC of Okpuno are through to the Round of 16 of the ongoing 2025 Festdrine/ANSFA All Stars Football Competition bankrolled by MANFES Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
PJP FC with a numerical disadvantage after having their goalkeeper, Chukwujekwu Ndulue served the marching orders in the 75th minute of the game for intensionally stopping a goal bound move held their nerve and defended resolutely to see off the encounter.
Promise Osigwe gave PJP All Stars FC a deserved lead in 19th minute of the game which lasted for just 6 minutes as Ebuka Igwebuike restored parity for Okpoko All Stars in the 25th minute after a swift team counter attacking move.
In the second period, Ikenna Nnabuife restored PJP’s lead in the 71st minute, but four minutes after taking the lead, the Okpuno side shot stopper was shown a straight red card for stopping a last ditch goal bound move by the Okpoko side who failed to take advantage of the numerical strength in the game.
Uzochukwu Anajemba produced a moment of magic in injury time to ensure his side would coast home with the points at stake as both teams advance into the Round of 16 from Group G ahead of Nkpor Veterans All Stars.
Reacting after the match, The patron of PJP All Stars FC, Barr. Anthony Kelechi Agbasiere described the match as a high octane game won by a better side who were well organized, coordinated and did not succumb to pressure despite the numerical disadvantage in the course of the second stanza of the game.
Barr. Agbasiere stated that PJP FC has a sole aim which is to take the trophy home at the end of the tournament, he called on football fans to support and pray for the team always as they work towards achieving the dream of being the champions.
Also speaking, Coach of PJP FC, Eric Obidinma popularly known as the ‘Mayor’ stated that the victory by his team was based on superior technical ability of his side, the tactician promised the fans that the Okpuno based team will leave no stones unturned in their effort to annex the trophy. Kingsley Onunkwo, the Team Manager of the side also re-echoed the views of Coach Obidinma by stating that the primary goal is to lift the trophy.
On his part, Chairman of Okpoko All Stars FC, Comrade Chidiebere Nkemnele rued the missed chances by his side in the first period. Nkemnele assured that his side will work on their deficiencies and be better prepared for the knockout stages of the competition.
