Ladegbuwa Football Club of Owu Ijebu on Wednesday commences their 2022 Nationwide League (NLO 1) Season with a stalemate outing on Wednesday against Flamingo Football Club at Dipo Dina Stadium, ijebu ode.
Contrast to the goalless scoreline, the match was a keenly contested duel as both teams charged at each other in search of a vital goal.
The home team enjoyed possession of the ball and took the initiative to their opponent in the early exchanges of the match and it took stern resilient from Flamingo’s defence to ward off the early onslaught from the “Ladegbuwa boys”.
As the match progresses it became an end-to-end attack with Flamingo finally settling down for the business of the day. Flamingo had the opportunity to open the scoring in the 25 minutes of the match but were brilliantly denied by goalkeeper Tosin Adekoya who narrowed the angle and forced the striker to aim at far post.
The duo of Ladegbuwa players Victor Nwokorie and Samuel Obinna also missed a chance apiece in succession as the first half ended goal-less. The introduction of Wareez Moradeyo in the second half spice up Ladegbuwa’s midfield creativity and were unlucky not to convert any of the goal scoring opportunities that went begging as the match ended goalless.
Coach Shakiru Giwa speaking to the press after the game applaud his team for their resilience. He says: “This is our first game of the season and I know a season opener match is always going to be a dicey fixture because you don’t know what to expect from your opponent. However, we are able to stick to our tactics of curtailing our opponent, then hit them on the counter and I am happy my players adapted quickly to our game plan.
“Obviously there are grey areas we need to improve on especially the fitness of the players. My players are still very young and they are still a work in progress but I am confident with time they will blend together and improve as the season progresses.”