The management of the Nationwide League One (NLO) have taken a bold step, as it will in its history as the nation’s third-tier domestic league regulatory body host its first night match on Wednesday.

Wednesday March 30, 2022 will epoch making as Ilaji FC of Ibadan will host Knights FC of Ile-Ife in NLO first night fixture tagged ‘Wednesday Night Football’ at the Ilaji Stadium.

Secretariat of the NLO gave Ilaji FC the nod to host the fixture with a 6pm kickoff time after meeting the conditions of hosting such games, which are provision of alternative power sources, security and other logistics.

NLO Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunowo said in a statement, “Management of Ilaji FC meeting the NLO requirements didn’t come to me as a surprise as the club host it’s home games at the Ilaji Stadium in Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort Ona-Ara. So hosting the ‘Wednesday Night Football’ won’t be an issue.

“Yes, electricity is a challenge in the country, and the collapse of the national grid some weeks back raised concern but that didn’t stop major organizations or businesses from functioning as they all have alternative power sources, from generating power plants and solar installations.

“Ilaji is one of the big resorts in Nigeria and they have their alternative power generating sources that can power their facilities 24hours and 7 days of the week.

“It security network is top notch when you look caliber of individuals and indeed foreigners that visit the resort.

“Nigeria been the most populous black nation, we at the NLO are poised to showcasing its grassroot football to other parts of the World with its first night game.

“Once we get it right with the Ilaji FC versus Knights FC game, it will pave way for other interested clubs in the NLO Division One to write the NLO Secretariat of their plans for night fixtures if they have the adequate funds and provisions for other logistics.”

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.

Nationwide League One side, Knights Football Club announced the appointment of former ABS FC and Kogi United assistant coach Lawal Wasiu as their new head coach on Sunday evening.

The former Imperial Football Academy tactician replaces Abdulazeez Abdulrasaq, whose contract was not renewed after expiration of his one year deal with the club.

The appointment of Lawal signals Knight’s intent of securing promotion to the Nigeria National League as articulated by club President, Seeni Falonipe.

He stated that the club will be adequately funded to ensure that Lawal hits the ground running.

Seeni Falonipe

“Coach Lawal comes with the right combination of experience and qualifications we believe will assist us in achieving the goals we have set for ourselves.

“We have been decisive in our objectives and what we want achieve as club and as a brand. That is why we sought to secure the right coach at the earliest possible time.

“We will do everything possible to make sure coach Lawal Wasiu hits the ground running. The immediate challenges on the coach will be to stabilise the team and bring back the confidence of the players,” Falonipe said.

Lawal will be assisted by Isaacson Robinson and the youth team coach, Egbesakin Sunday.

Source: https://buwanews.com/nlo21-knights-fc-unveil-lawal-wasiu-as-new-head-coach/