A massive win for Osun United at the mainbowl of Obafemi Awolowo University sports arena, in the matchday twelve encounter involving Omoluabi Giants and Ibom Youths FC.

Coach Waheed Olapade paraded few unfamiliar faces in different roles as Emmanuel Emeka and Sodiq Babatunde paired upfront while another debutants Wasiu Yusuf and Sherif Yinusa donned the customary yellow and brown for the first time.

United imposed their dominance from the blast of the whistle only to manage a scoreless moments till half hour mark. Former Crown FC hitman, Babatunde Sodiq benefitted from a howler from visitors goalkeeper whose grips is so weak as he spills a fierce lowdrive into the path of onrushing striker who steers in gently.

Pelumi Olaoluwa pacy runs and resolute marking of Abimbola Majeed with Akilapa’s high pitch of vocal cord, commanded the big win. Hakeem Olalere nods into the net to increase the tally after enjoying a flick from Olaoluwa Pelumi via a corner kick twelve minutes later.

Coach Waheed Olapade rings some changes after the first stanza and it instantly yielded results as the third goal came through a substitute Idowu Olawoye who sprints after a well connected delivery and he put the icing on the cake of ‘Believe And Achieve’ side as he rounded up goalkeeper and poked in decently from tight angle.

The result was similar to the reverse fixtures at the end of first stanza in lkot Ekpene. Habeeb Owolabi and outstanding fullback Mubarak, could have added more goals only to see their delivery being tipped to safety brilliantly.

According to coach Olapade, change in players orientations, good recruitments and support from fans occasioned the massive win.
“We talked to players in a brotherly manner before the second round, the boys promised to give it all.

“United we stand, devided we fall, we ensured that our house is in order while injections of ambitious players really helped us. Going forward, the confidence will be restored in amassing more points away from home, I appreciate the players for not letting us down”. Omo Oba as he’s widely called submitted.

Up next, J Atete will play host to Omoluabi Giants in Nigeria National League Week thirteen at Warri Township Stadium.

Following the second-tier league resumptions, Osun United FC managements have called on stakeholders to rally the team now that boys will be separated from men.

Making the call on behalf of Omoluabi Giants, the Team Manager of the side, Kabiru Adekunle appeal to football stakeholders to increase their support in making the state owned darling team to thrive and return to where it belongs.

Recall that Baruwa tutored side managed four wins and one draw and pegged at eight on the log with 13 points at the end of first round, the performance which the management frowned upon.

Having released five players and rejigged the squad during the mid-season break, the team is set to be turning in an impressive results both home and away.

“We are aware of our current position and are seriously doing everything we can to redeem our image.

“We told the coaches to beef up the squad with ambitious players without interference.
The government is doing its best and we appreciate them a lot that’s why we need to reciprocate their gestures with outstanding performances.

“We therefore appreciate football administrators in the state, our supporters and fans for their support and loyalty. We equally salute the efforts of media guys in promoting us. We are therefore calling for more supports because it’s not over until it’s over.” Team Manager explained.

Meanwhile, the following players have been added to the squad in a bid to push the team to an enviable position. Daniel Mende (Nero Soccer FC), Babatunde Sodiq (Crown FC), Sheriff Yinusa (Nero Soccer FC), Jelili Afisu (A. Stomers SC), Wasiu Yusuf (J. Atete), Idowu Olawoye (Destiny Boys), Emmanuel Emeka (Bayelsa Utd.) and Ridwan Sodiq (Go Round FC).

‘Believe And Achieve’ side will tomorrow play host to lbom Youths FC at the football pitch of Obafemi Awolowo University lle-lfe. The must win crucial encounter is billed for 4pm.

The head coach of Osun Utd., Olatunji Baruwa has exhorted his wards to remain focus and develop a strong character following the team’s resurgence after strings of poor results.

Recall that, Omoluabi Giants only garnered a point from their game involving Gateway Utd, Bendel Insurance, Abeokuta Stomers and Adoration FC.

Again, Baruwa tutored side have failed to register any goal in the first half at home to the dismay of die hard supporters. The story remain unchanged as the team welcomed J_Atete FC in matchday 10 of Nigeria National League.

The contest decided at the mainbowl of Obafemi Awolowo University football pitch in lle-lfe saw the visitors fluffed a glorious moment inside ten minutes as God’stime Edewor’s pointblank delivery from the edge of the area agonizingly sails inches wide.

Immediately after the break, the host rejigged their personnel and it yielded instant impact.
Substitute, Habeeb Owolabi sent the host infront from a rebound, pint sized winger Quozeem Raheem had earlier dispatched a ferocious rockets which Efe Toke in goal couldn’t held on to and former Rehoboth FC forward smashed it home from close range to register his fourth goal of the current campaign at the stroke of fifty minutes.

The goal was all that matter as the visitors’ threatening moves were brilliantly and constantly kept at bay by resolute pairings of Akilapa Olusola and Aminu at the back.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Baruwa who couldn’t hide his affection remarked thus; ” we are delighted with the final score line after giving out points cheaply in our previous encounters.

“Big kudos to the boys for their efforts. We will continue to work hard and leave other distractions to achieve our goals. The three points will restore our confidence as we seek to reclaim the lost points henceforth, we know where we belong and where we aim to finish, until we get there, we won’t relent.”

Believe and Achieve side will hit the road once more as the first round draw curtains by the weekend. Ibom Youth who lost on the road shall welcome Omoluabi Giants.

A disappointing home draw against Benin Arsenal at the OAU Pitch ended the hundred percent home record of Omoluabi Giants in one of the Nigeria National League week 7 matches.

Having suffered a slim loss in the previous clash away to Gateway Utd, Olatunji Baruwa tutored side targets outright win against their guest but Insurance are resolute in scooping something from the game.

With only two adjustments to the squad that lined up against Gateway Utd., the home sides tried to impose their dominance from the blast of the whistle only to find it hard to go past the visibly determined visitors.

Deadlock remained intact as the centre referee from lmo State, Chibundu Sunny signalled the end of the first stanza. The second half saw couples of chances not utilized by both sides.

At hour mark, Habeeb Owolabi saw a premium attempt sails over the bar to the dismay of goal starved fans as he benefitted from a terrific howler from lnsurance goalie Kolawole Oladipo.

That could have being a turning point in the game. The guest also saw their one on one attempt parried away by Arinze Okoro at the death as referee Sunny waves a play on earlier on, despite a rash challenge on our captain, Hakeem Olalere.

Coach Baruwa Olatunji whose back up personnels couldn’t change the situations called on the fans to remain calm. He noted that his side is capable of turning things around.
“I commend our lads for their efforts. Nothing to worry about, though not the result we wanted but better days are ahead of us. We promise our fans to bounce back into the winning ways, we know how important our home games to us.” He concluded.

Believe and Achieve side will welcome Abeokuta Stomers to Obafemi Awolowo University Football Pitch on Saturday, 26th March 2020 in week 8 league match.

Following a last gasp screamer by Sanni Jamiu of Gateway Utd., which condemned Osun Utd to another away loss, Giant’s Head Coach has told his lads to forget the defeat and move on.

Osun Utd chased away glory to MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta and were nearly escaped with a hard fought spoils, save for a screamer turned in by nearly exhausted homers.

Believe and Achieve side laboured for most part of first stanza as Osun based side struggled to contain the firepower of the host. After enduring some opening heat, the host registered their first goal from the spot as Aleem Adebayo our stand in captain was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

Coach Baruwa tutored side would later picked themselves up in the second half and fought tenaciously. The host were forced to repel after few changes from away bench. Habeeb Owolabi restored parity five minutes from time, with a well planted glancing header off an assist from Quozeem who succeeded in taking up his marker from byline, that’s his second of the season.

However, the joy couldn’t last long as the home side were infront once again via a screamer, after playing more additional minutes.

While speaking to the press, Baruwa Olatunji implored his charges to forget the agony of defeat and focus more on the task ahead.

“In a normal setting, we supposed to have mustered something from this game but it’s the way it is.

“We are not blaming anyone despite notable awkward calls from arbiters who arrived match venue an hour late. We assume it’s just their day. Ours is to rest and concentrate on the task ahead.

“We want to make our fans happy and return to winning way, l congratulate our charges and they should take away the positives from the game.” The Nigeria National U-15 goal keeper’s coach noted.

Osun United shall welcome Benin Arsenal to OAU Sports Complex on Saturday 19th of March by 4pm. A win over Bendel lnsurance will fire Believe and Achieve side to the top of Group B1.

Ahead of Nigeria National League Match Day 5 clash with another South West NNL debutant, Ikorodu City FC, Osun Utd pacy winger has demanded for resilience and focus going into all important duel.

Having lost two away games so far, Omoluabi Giants hope to bounce back when the ‘Believe and Achieve’ side welcome ‘Oga Boys’ from Lagos. Still basking in the euphoria of their slim win over Gateway FC during the weekend courtesy of Ganiyu Adewara’s ferocious set piece, Obafemi Awolowo’s Pitch in lle-lfe, the adopted home of Osun Utd., will come alive again by tomorrow.

In its first midweek game this season, Omoluabi Giants are focused to seal maximum points for third time at home this season according to Pelumi Olaoluwa, one of the youngest lads in the squad.

The Olansile FA graduate believes the level of developments occasioned by Coach Tunji Baruwa’s tactical philosophy is highly commendable and he should be supported by all and sundry.

“My thoughts about tomorrow’s game is to try our possible best and get all the three points.

“I can actually say the government is really trying to motivate the players, but there’s room for improvements.

“The supporters are also trying their best at our home games, but we’re missing their huge presence in away games. We are really banking on their support in achieving together this season.

” My expectations is to try all we can do to make sure the team gain promotion this season. Kudos to the coach, for believing in me, I always try to learn from him everyday. The most important thing is to play to the coach instructions. As a team, the experienced colleagues are making us feel comfortable on and off the pitch.” Enterprising Olaoluwa who had the opportunity of being listed in starting lineup of every game this season informed.

Referee Ukasonaya Christian from Imo will be at the centre as he will be supported by compatriots from Ebonyi, Elom Joseph and lgwe Faith. The Kick off is 4pm as match updates return on the club’s media channels (FB: Osun United FC; Twitter: Osun United_)

Recall that in the summary jurisdictions delivered by Nigeria National League secretariat, Osun FA were summoned on Tuesday 16th of March 2021 in which panel of inquiry queried the misdemeanor of about three fans captured in the video footage after the said game.

The state FA contingent who hit Abuja for fact finding and defensive mission however ordered to fish out the unscrupulous elements attracted to the match venue following a sponsored jingle on some networks.

In complying with the NNL directives, the state FA secretary Amoo Abayomi today conveyed in a letter, the decision of the state FA Disciplinary Committee back to the secretariat in Abuja.

“Due to the time given to produce the football supporters and fans for misconduct in accordance with article 16.1 to 16.5 of the rules guiding the league and also to obey Nigeria National League circular 119 dated 22nd February, 2021.

“Osun FA Disciplinary Committee thanked and appreciated the Management and Staff of Nigeria National League in rescinding its earlier decision to cancel the result of the match between Osun Utd and Vandrezzer FC which ended 2-1 in favor of the home team, after studying the match reports submitted by Match Officials.

” The under listed identified football supporters and fans are hereby suspended with immediate effect for three years from all football related activities in the state of Osun.

“The involved fans are: Aderemi Akeem (Itu), Oparinde Suraju, Oni Moses (Baba Titi Onisu),” the statement concluded.

The state FA chairman Chief Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM has however promised the swift return Of Osun Utd back to Osogbo Township Stadium after complying with NNL directives. He noted that any actions capable of bringing the game to disrepute won’t be tolerated any longer.

Osun United on Saturday, defeated Stationery Stores of Lagos by two goals to one in a mouthwatering encounter at the Agege Township Stadium, Lagos where 3 goals were scored within 3 minutes by the two sides in the Week 3 fixtures of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL).

The Omoluabi Giants, who were held at home by Nnewi United last weekend knew what was at stake and had prepared fully to cover up for the two points.

After several golden opportunities were wasted by the Omoluabi Giants, the captivating and amazing moment began in the 42nd minute when Danladi Abdulazeez puts United ahead through a header after Stores goalkeeper, Semiu Adegboyega’s misdirected Dennis Meshach’s shot to an onrushing Danladi.

United’s fans at the Soccer Temple hardly finished their jubilation when their former player, Akorede Mahmud levelled up for the ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ with a beautiful header after connecting a well tailored cross by Ikechukwu Sunday from the left flank in the 43rd minute.

United also took the ball to the half of Stores by Hakeem Olalere and his move paid off as Yomi Olaoke combined skillfully with Danladi’s pass to slot-in the second goal in the 44th minute and secure the lead for the visitors before the break.

There were several one on one chances wasted by Osun United in the second half while the hosts threatened with attempts by Ifeanyi Iheme, Mahmud and Ekene Ejike, who were prevented from causing havoc by Jerry Okon and Eze Chibuna, who replaced the injured Akilapa Olusola.

Osun United have their shot stopper, Arinze Okoro to thank by denying hosts the chance to level up as he dived well to save Williams Ayuba’s penalty in the 88th minute after Jerry Okon was adjudged to have blocked a shot with his hand from a scramble.

With the result, Stationery Stores are yet to record a win in three matches as they have lost two and drawn one while Osun United are unbeaten in three matches, drawing two and winning one.

The Omoluabi Giants will host another unbeaten side, Vandresser FC in Osogbo on Saturday March 6 in the week 4 fixtures while the ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ face another herculean task as they will welcome the unbeaten Group B1 leader, Shooting Starts Sports Club of Ibadan to the Soccer Temple the same day.

Tajudeen Amodu
Media Officer
Osun United