I’m super excited scoring for Kwara United againsf Buffles FC – Oshagbemi
Kwara Football Academy graduate, Godwin Oshagbemi has said that he feels highly excited scoring the only goal that made the difference between Buffles FC of Parakou and Kwara United today at the Stade OmniSports de Nikki, Benin Republic.
Oshagbemi, introduced in the 46th minute, scored in the 87th minute to give Kwara United a well deserved win today, August 20th, 2023, in their second friendly match in the French speaking country.
“I feel so excited, because, this is my first time scoring a goal in another country, and with the goal making the difference between my team and Buffles FC.
“I had the premonition that I will score, as I had told some of my mates that I will score if introduced. The goal will be both a challenge and motivation for me ahead of the season, as I hope to continue to justify my place in the team.
Coming from playing goalless draw against Cavaliers FC yesterday at the same venue, Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo made a wholesome change in his squad against Buffles FC, with only Kabir Mohammed, Samuel Ayanrinde and ThankGod Ikeagu making the first eleven from the list that played against Cavaliers.
Kwara United took the initiative from the blast of the whistle, and the opponent’s first choice goalkeeper, Aldou Tholdou could only last for 26 minutes, as the incessant menacing moves at goal by the Ilorin-based team left him injured, and unable to continue.
The second choice goalkeeper, Ogunbiyi Isiaka took over from where Aldou left it, standing tall between Kwara United and goal, with Samuel Ayanrinde, Samson Paul, Mohammed Bajibir and Bernard Ovoke pilling pressure from all angles.
Kwara United resumed the second half with the introduction of highly enterprising and mobile Abubakar Garba, Godwin Oshagbemi, Issa Gata and Benson Abbey, in place of the quartet of Bajibir, Paul Samson, Samuel Ayanrinde and Yisa Anifowoshe, a move which increased the tempo of the game, and gave the attack more bite.
Much later, the duo of Bernard Ovoke and ThankGod Ikeagu were removed for Shola Abdulraheem and Ayo Adejubu, and that created more penetrative openings, one of which Oshagbemi took, to finally decide the game, at 87th minute.
Oshagbemi had earlier had two of his shots blocked by goalkeeper Isiaka, but couldn’t stop the rampaging Kwara Football Academy graduate, who slotted the ball to his left at close range, with three minutes left to play.
Coach Adamou Thairu of Buffles FC said that its good for his team playing a strong team like Kwara United, especially with the League resumption approaching.
“We lost, and that’s football for you. But we lost to a big and more experienced side. We have learnt a great lesson from the game, and from the loss”, he said.
For Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo, the difference between the match against Cavaliers FC and Buffles FC was fatigue, arguing that his boys played with fatigue against Cavaliers.
“We played very well yesterday, even though we couldn’t push much due to fatigue. But today, we looked a bit more composed, and could have scored more goals.
“With the level we are in so far, I can say confidently, that we are almost ready for the 2023-2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). We only need to improve more in the attack, as we also plan to bring in more strikers, to complement what we have already.
Kwara United will complete their camping and tour of Benin Republic with the third match against Abeil FC of Parakou by 3.00pm tomorrow, August 21st, 2023, before an onward journey back home.
