Kabiru Popoola’s second half penalty condemned visiting Nnewi United to a defeat as FC Nilayo recorded a 2-1 victory over their guests at the MKO Abiola stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State in a Matchday one Nigeria National League fixture.
The visiting Nnewi United drew the first blood in the 4th minute from the spot after the referee awarded them a penalty in a controversial circumstance.
Goalkeeper Ikenna Benjamin went on air to gather the ball in his area without a challenge with the closest player in the box, the resulting penalty was converted.
With a spirited display and consistent push for an equalizer, James Ekwebuike had an attempt that was saved by the visitor’s goalkeeper in the 13th minute.
The trio of James Ekwebuike, Muri Batuli and Seun Aremu were constant threat in the defense of Nnewi United but their resolute defending meant there would be no more goal in the first half.
FC Nilayo began the second half the way they ended the first and it paid off in the 47th minute, Muri Batuli’s defense splitting pass found it’s way through to James Ekebuike who made no mistake in dispatching into the net.
FC Nilayo took total control after the equalizer and went close to getting a second goal when Muri Batuli’s fierce shot was spectacularly saved by the visitor’s goalkeeper.
Pressure increased in the box of the visiting Nnewi United and the ferocious attacking display paid off in the 55th minute, a defender handled the ball in the box after a well taken corner kick was sent in.
Kabiru Popoola stepped up and converted calmly in the 55th minute to make it 2-1.
The tempo and intensity of the game thereafter increased, chances were created but non was converted.
FC Nilayo will now shift attention to the match day two encounter with Vandrezzer FC in Lagos.
