By Bethel Kalu
Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by their President, Benjamin Isaiah lost 2-0 gallantly in a thrilling novelty game against Enyimba and Super Eagles legends on Thursday.
This was a curtain raiser for the final of the Kanu U19 Tournament between Campos FC and Apex Krane. The legends team was captained by former Super Eagles player and Sporting Director of Enyimba, Ifeanyi Ekwueme while Clarkson Ogo captained the SWAN team.
The SWAN team gained early possession, confidently restricting the legends in their own half. The legends team which also had Emeka Nwana, Victor Ezeji, Obinna Nwaneri and others soon got into their strides and their experience came to bear as Emeka Nwana put the legends ahead. Moments later, goalkeeper, Emmanuel Olelewe made himself big to deny Nwana a second goal.
The legends came close to getting another in the dying moments of the first half but Clarkson Ogo’s well-timed goal line clearance drew applause from the fans.
The SWAN team pressed for an equalizer, with David Duru, David Orji and Wisdom Thomas bossing the midfield but the Obinna Nwaneri led defense failed to falter. A quick late minute counter by the legends produced their second goal.
The introduction of the giant, Frank Okoye kept the legend’s rampaging forwards at bay, combining well with Mike Ogbonna.
At final whistle, the courageous SWAN team got ovation from the crowd.