In unarguably the best game of the season thus far, Higher National Diploma (HND) 2 team of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) conquered their HND 1 rival two nil in the school’s 2023/2024 students’ league on Wednesday.
The tie took place at the monotechnic field as both teams, HND 2 (Frontiers Football Club) and HND 1 nicknamed Champions Football Club went at each other from the blast of the referee’s whistle.
Busari Olasunkunmi returned to action for HND 2 in defence to solidify the backline, while the opposition also tweaked things in their formation.
However, Edhugo Anthony struck with a great finish before half-time break to give HND 2 the advantage.
HND 1 couldn’t get back into the game as the referee blew for the end of the first period after thralling to Anthony’s goal.
The tempo of the tie increased in the second half following more attacking threats from Champions Football Club.
Meanwhile, the Frontiers Football Club made a change as Udoka Daniel popularly known as Icey replaced Ahmed Pedro to add more firepower to the attack.
Captain of HND 1, Olubode Williams came close to restoring parity but shot-stopper Adeola Sunday stopped the ball from going into the net.
Few minutes later, Anthony, who was well-positioned centrally recorded his second goal to increase his side’s tally.
HND 2 displayed more confidence afterwards, enjoying more of the possession with Icey and AbdulAzeez Olaoluwa (Flaco) showcasing their skills upfront.
It was an end to end encounter for most part of the clash, however, HND 2 clinched a 2-0 triumph after full-time whistle.
The win takes HND 2 to top of the standings with 10 points after 4 games – and HND 1 occupies the second place having accumulated 7 points.
Speaking to the TheLensNG Anthony acknowledged the efforts of his teammates in registering a brace.
He said: “It was an outstanding game for us and everyone in the team displayed a good performance. The support of my teammates was evident in the two goals I scored and I must say that it was not an easy game.”
Similarly, Williams disclosed that his side controlled the game from the onset but they felt short after conceding.
His words: “We were the better side from the beginning but we failed to convert our chances and my teammates were not in the right position in some cases. We are hoping to correct these mistakes in subsequent games.”
In a related development, ND 1 (NIJ All Stars) brushed aside the Crusherz Football Club (ND 2) in a 2-1 scoreline.
David Ajayi and Obasa Marvellous found the back of the net for ND 1, whereas ND 2’s goal came through Abdulsalam AbdulAzeez.
ND 1 sits third, on 4 points after the success, while ND 2 with two outstanding matches can be found in fifth (1 point).
The league will go down to the wire till the sports day of the students’ week in few months time.
Nice work, well done and thank you
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