The first fixture of Matchday 3 lived up to the billing as two fabulous goals were scored from set plays by both teams in the first half.

Hammola, a Nationwide League One Division One team from Osun State, were brave enough to take a surprise lead in the 11th minute via a set-piece from Olajugba Ayokunle that beat goalkeeper Charles Tambe.

Experienced Cameroon shot stopped and could not help but spill the ball into his own goal as he attempted to force a save.

Hammola’s one-goal lead only lasted for 23 minutes, as Remo Stars Odibo Godwin got the equaliser after a lovely finish from a Seun Odunsi assist.

With the game nearing half-time, Hammola regained the lead courtesy of a cool finish from Olarenwaju Habeeb, who beat his marker to lob the ball beyond the reach of Tambe, to the top right corner of the goal to make it 2-1.

Former MFM and Enyimba right-back Stanley Okorom displayed captain stuff, as he put the game on level terms with a sublime free kick in the first minute of added time.

Eleven minutes into the second half, Remo Stars showed why they’re an NPFL side, after Mujeeb Odufeso punished Hammola’s backline, creating space for himself to score his team’s third with a decent finish.

As the NLO side searched for their third goal, they then got punished on the counterattack in added time.

Samuel Anakwe put the game beyond Hammola with the sixth goal of the game and fourth for Remo Stars.

The experienced Gaffer resigned from the NLO One side Hammola International FC citing personal reasons.

The former NWFL Premiership side Osun Babes FC Tactician guarded the Ido-Osun based side to back to back Federation Cup (AITEO Cup) finals in Osun State, a feat seen as extraordinary in the history of the modest club.

In a letter delivered to the club’s management, the former Knight FC Head Coach thanked the Club for the opportunity given to him to serve.

“I Abdulazeez AbdulRazak wish to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as Head Coach of Hammola International FC due to personal reasons,” Hoppers said.

“My decision to leave is 100% based on personal reasons. Having achieved alot during my two years at Hammola International FC, it’s hightime to face another challenge as a coach.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the club, not forgetting the entire players, supporters, technical Crew, management and the good people of Ido-Osun.

The young Manager was incharge of the club for less than two years and led the Club to seven (7) finals in his first season, winning three (3) and losing four (4) in the process. His next destination will be announced in some few weeks.

The game termed Osun derby really lived up to its hype.

Hoppers tutored side imposed their presence in no time at the blast of the whistle. It’s a mixed fierce battle as Oodua Boys would need to redeem their image and come back to live after loosing narrowly to their opponent in their first contest with Seat of God FC.

Hammola FC who enjoyed a perfect start in the group wanted to consolidate and extend their winning streak following the inclusion of Alabi Adetunji and Ibrahim Ismail into the starting line up.

Tunji’s inclusion would have been paid off instantly if he had calmly pounced on a loose ball inside the opening minutes but he anxiously blasted away the first chance that came his way aimlessly.

Twelve minutes later, he opened the scoring after being fed by the wing back Ganiyu Maruf who surges forward from byline, the well framed goal poacher employed his chests as he beats his marker before slotting a fierce curler directly into bottom corner as goalkeeper Adeboyejo had no answer to it.

The Lee Bombers preserved the lead and ensured the scoreline remain unchanged until six minutes past hour mark when Gbotemi hurriedly cleared away a set piece that closely whisks off Ayo Olajuba’s hand unconsciously inside his own dangerous yard as centre referee aimed at the spot instantly. The pint size forward Tosin Dabiri buried it brilliantly to restore the parity.

Hammola’s effort to increase the tally in the 88th minutes was fruitless as new entrant Habeeb Olanrewaju wasted the most glorious chance of the tension soaked duel, he had his diagonally planted header sails inches over the bar while facing an empty net to the dismay of the scantily seated fans.

The results means Coach Abdul Rasaq Abdul Azeez effort to make a winning statement against his erstwhile employer was foiled. The game is indeed a fierce rivalry to behold.

“I want to salute the efforts of my boys for grinding out something from this encounter. It’s a case of a known foe. We want to win so also our opponent. The arena is a bit locked up but that not to say we won’t adapt going forward. We will review the proceedings and make corrections before next game,” Hoppers told the pressmen after the game.

What it means.

The group is widely open with Seat Of God, Olukismet and now Hammola FC all tied on 4 points after 2 games. Hammola FC would now take on Kaduna Utd on Saturday by 4pm.