*Wins MVP Award
Two goals early in each half by Emmanuel Ogbole was enough to earn all three points for Kwara United against Enyimba International in the Matchday 27 of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter decided today, Sunday March 24, 2024, at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
It was a match that absolutely showed the bad side of Enyimba International, as the Coach, Yemi Olanrewaju and two of his players, Chigizie Chilekwu and Desmond Ojietefian got red cards for unsportsmanly conducts.
The young, highly mobile and sharp attacker, Ogbole opened scores as early as seven minutes, when he roofed his shot at close range, to give the home crowd something to cheer.
Kwara United looked good to increase the tally with the numerous chances created, but the trio of Alalade Wasiu, Alao Mohammed and Paul Samson couldn’t get it right.
The visitors equalized in the 38th minute through Ikenna Cooper, who struggled to created enough space to take a shot that goalkeeper Solihu Dogo couldn’t find answers for.
Even though they hurridly got over the shock, Kwara United continued with their inability to score, until in the 48th minute, when Ogbole turned in a rebound as goalkeeper Djeri Bassa found it difficult to hold on to the 35 metre shot by ThankGod Ikeagwu.
Enyimba made four quick changes, as they introduced Uche Collins, Chidiebere Nnachi, Uwanna Asuquo and Eze Ekwutozian, and that seems to have raised their game, as they fought hard to come back. Kwara United’s defence spareheaded by Ejeh Isaiah and Rahman Olarewaju stood their ground.
Kwara United also brought in both Afeez Nosiru and Godwin Oshagbemi for Paul Samson and Emmanuel Ogbole respectively, to ensure enough balance, especially in the middield and attack.
Coach Yemi Olanrewaju, who frowned at the numbers of cards given himself and his team berated the officiating officials for their conducts.
“Both teams competed well, scored good goals, and I must congratulate Kwara United for the win. They needed the win and they fought for it. But the referees weakened us with yellow and red cards.
For Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo, he commended his players for displaying high level of mentality throughout the game, even as he thanked Kwarans for their support.
Emmanuel Ogbole won the Most Valuable Player award after the match.
