By; Ilekam G. Ikechukwu (Mr Flakes)
It was all fireworks at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena onikan, Lagos state, as the 2022/2023 NPFL Super 6 Championship got underway yesterday June 3rd in a blistering fashion.
Teeming soccer faithfuls defied the pitfalls initiated by the recent hike in price of petrol nationwide to make the long distance journey across different regions of the country to Lagos in a bid to catch a glimpse of football spectacle in its beauty.
Expectations of fans were not dashed as Enyimba FC and Remo Stars played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, a tactical game of football that provided no goals in the first half but interestingly came to life in the second half when lanky Enyimba striker Eriugo Adiele broke the deadlock on the hour mark to give the Elephants the lead.
The Sky Blue Stars from Ikenne fought relentlessly and had their efforts rewarded with 14 minutes remaining when veteran striker Junior Lokosa poked home from close range, a goal that had tongues wagging as footage revealed a fraction of Junior Lokosa spotted to have been in the offside position.
It was not long before the Elephants restored their lead, thanks to a clinical penalty by Emeka Obioma, taking his tally to 15 goals for the season. Chijioke Mbaoma was the provider, having been hurled down in the opposition box.
Enyimba appeared to be coasting to victory but ruefully had an injury time equaliser from Nduka Junior, the captain of Remo Stars rose to the challenge to draw his side level with a beautiful freekick. A contest that ended 2-2 between both sides.
In the second game of the day, defending champions Rivers United saw off a spirited Edith Agoye-led Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a Chidiebube Duru’s beautiful spot-kick, in the aftermath of pacy winger Mark Gibson Theo’s brilliance piece of play in the box, as the ball controversially ricochets off the arm of centre back Emmanuel Ogbuagu.
The third and final match of the day under the floodlights had Federation Cup finalists Bendel Insurance also sharing the spoils with Lobi Stars in a barren format. A game which saw the Benin Arsenals extend their unbeaten run to 19 matches in the league. The game produced no goals amidst few goalscoring chances at both ends.
Matchday 2 tomorrow three mouthwatering fixtures as Enyimba trade tackles against in-form Lobi Stars, kickoff billed for 2pm. Defending champions Rivers United line up against Remo Stars in the second match of the day at 4:30PM, while the duel under the floodlights involving Bendel Insurance vs Sunshine Stars concludes Matchday 2. Kickoff is 6:30PM