A second-half long-range strike by Francis Odinaka proved decisive in the north central derby as table-toppers Lobi Stars piped arch-rivals Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the new Jos Township Stadium, Plateau State.
The Makurdi-based side took a giant step towards playoff qualification this evening as a decisive 1-0 over the Minna side has secured one of the available slots for the super six as the time tick down.
In one of the division’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures in recent history, both teams knew a victory would see them in a decent position to stand firm on the table as the league winds down.
Going into this crucial tie, the “Shoe Get Size” boys have a one hundred per cent record at home and were not leaving a stone unturned in terms of securing the maximum points.
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The opening stages were played within a thunderous atmosphere befitting the occasion of a derby clash, and it was the host who found an immediate breakthrough in the 2nd minute through Abba Umar, but his long-range effort was saved by the visitor’s goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi.
The group “B” table toppers continued mounting pressure on the “Ikon Allah” boys which was accompanied by decent interchanges of good football with Francis Odinaka and Christian Madu combined to link play waiting for the best opportunity to break the deadlock, however, the cutting edge was missing on several occasions.
Joseph Atule almost put his side ahead before halftime but his 41st-minute strike was denied by the left post after beating the visitor’s goalie with a beautiful strike inside the box as both teams returned to their various dressing rooms with scoreline 0-0.
The early second-half resumption was accompanied by a light downpour, which saw coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s men start the fierce contest once again with an aggressive intent and that paid off shortly as they broke the deadlock in the 48th minute through versatile midfielder Francis Odinaka.
Joseph Atule laid a decent pass deep into the opponent’s half to Umar and the former Kastina United man in turn laid the ball outside the box for the rushing combatant midfielder Odinaka, the midfielder never hesitated to shoot as he released a thunderous strike that beat the visitor’s goalie and rested into the net which changed the scoreline to 1-0.
The visitors threw in everything as they searched for an equalizer, however, they were denied by goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel. In the dying minutes, the former Rangers shot-stopper justified his selection to mount the post when he stopped Tornadoes substitute Naruudeen Jimoh’s header with his vast reflexes and denied the youngster from causing any harm as the centre referee called it off upon the regulation time.
This result is central to coach Baba Ganaru and his men as the super six is guaranteed to achieve the club’s objective after putting in a decent outing as well as strong resilience at different centres to secure important points.
Lobi Stars Media
30/04/2023.
