In a tense NNL Game Week 13 encounter, it was a moment of quality from Solomon Uloko and Saheed that separated the sides and secured a crucial three points for us.

Team News

We lined up in a familiar 4-3-3 formation with Clinton in goal. The back four featured Babatunde Akomolede, Abraham Idakwo, Aliu Salawudeen, and Solomon Uloko. The midfield trio consisted of Victor Samuel, Sodiq Oshidero, and Abdulraheem Suleiman, while the attack was led by Aliyu Baba, with Seun Akanji and Taiwo Alao flanking him.

Substitutes included: Gavi Thompson, Kingsley Godday, Saheed Abolade, Abdullahi Usman, and Damilola Akinola.

A first half to improve on

We started brightly but struggled to convert our early possession into clear chances.

A free-kick from Seun Akanji went wide in the 10th minute, while a flowing move involving Abdulraheem and Aliyu in the 14th minute was snuffed out by the GAFC keeper.

The visitors looked dangerous on the counter, and we were nearly punished in the 17th minute after a turnover at a corner, but smart defending from Babatunde and Solomon forced a wild finish. Moments later, Aliu showcased his defensive class by masterfully navigating a 1-v-3 situation to break up another GAFC break.

Clinton came up big in the 42nd minute, saving low from close range after a scramble in the box, keeping the score level going into half time.

Second Half Surge

The second half saw an increase in tempo and urgency. Taiwo continued to drive the team forward until he was forced off with an injury. Meanwhile, Solomon and Sodiq kept delivering dangerous balls into the box, but the final touch was missing.

A Last Gasp Winner

With time running out and the pressure mounting, it was the man from the bench who made the difference. In the 90th minute, after a sequence of quick passes down the right, Solomon delivered a pinpoint cross to Saheed Abolade, who rose highest and looped a stunning header over the goalkeeper to seal the win in style.

Onikan Stadium went wild.

What it means

The result keeps us at 3rd position in our group, three points behind Osun United who lost this weekend. With seven games to play and Kun Khalifat five points clear at the top with a game in hand, it's looking like a interesting end to the regular season will play out.

Post-Match Notes

• Akomolede’s composure: The left back dealt well with GAFC’s transitions and supported Solomon throughout.

• Aliu Salawudeen’s defensive masterclass: This was one of the most assured displays from our captain and centre-back this season.

Fun Facts

• Super Sub Impact: Saheed becomes the second substitute in a row to directly influence the scoreline in a home game.

• Long Throw Watch: Tunde Akomolade continues to menace defences with his long throw-ins.

• Clean Sheet Streak: That’s three clean sheets in three games since the restart.

What’s Next?

With seven points from the last 9 and momentum on their side, we now travel to Ilorin for a tricky tie against ABS FC, who have managed just one point in their last three matches. Another three points could see us edge even closer to the top two.