…AS ATTENTION SHIFTS TO SAGBAMA, KOLGA
The matchday ten fixture of the ongoing Nigeria’s largest grassroot football competition, the Prosperity Cup, between Amassoma United and Niger Delta University FC, witnessed one of the most intensed game this season filled with intrigue and suspense, due to the energy and dexterity displayed by both teams in their quest to claim the number one spot at the Amassoma Centre.
The Amassoma Secondary School field was the usual host for thr games but due to the incessant downpour, the organisers chose the NDU school field, and the atmosphere was suitable for the game, as students and other football enthusiasts were in their numbers to cheer the traditional teams to victory.
Niger Delta University FC drew first blood in the 14th minute, after Amassoma United’s goalkeeper, Obichebe Precious, tried to find his teammate, unfortunately the ball met winger, Amassoimo Ebi of NDU FC who beautifully lobbed the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper who was already out of his line.
Amassoma United mounted pressure in search for an equaliser, and thier chase paid off when they won a penalty in the 32nd minute, and Zitua Stephen stepped up to convert it neatly, to draw level.
At the resumption, the struggle continued as both teams matched each other for size, but it was NDU’s Ataiwaere Efeigho who had the closest opportunity to send his team through with a well taken free kick, however, goalkeeper Obichebe Precious was vigilant to parry the ball away, with the game ending in a stalemate.
In the shootout, Amassoma United lost two spot kicks, but Niger Delta University failed to seal the victory with their last spot kic to qualify for the Round of 32, hence the shoot out went to the death.
Bibi Ebi Jerry of NDU FC was the culprit as he blew his kick over the top of the cross bar, while Nelson Oyindoubra converted his penalty to send his teammates and the entire supporters of his team in to a wild jubilation.
Both teams played twelve spot kicks each, but it ended 10-9 in favour of Amassoma United.
Chairman, Sports Committee of the Niger Delta University, Professor Diepreye Elliot, during an interview, expressed his gratitude to the Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his support to the tournament which has brought a lot of youths who are passionate about football together, adding that one sure way to captivate youths of Bayelsa was through the sports.
Professor Elliot who witnessed the entire game, however decried lack of sporting facilities as the major challenge faced by athletes and coaches, as he called on authorities to provide state-of-the-art sporting facilities, which will help catapult Bayelsa athletes to greater heights.
In other results Moses FC of Sangana book their Round of 32 spot after beating Fish Town FC one nil in the last game at the Akassa centre, while winners will emerge at the Brass and Oporoma centres today, Wednesday.
Meanwhile, attention will shift to Sagbama and Kolokuma Opokuma council areas as they set to taste the competition for the first time this season. The Sagbama centre which has been moved to Ebedebiri primary school will see Agoro FC take on Bolo-orua United at 1pm, while Angalabiri United will host Akede United at 3pm.
At the Opokuma centre, B.S.C.Y.C FC, Sampou will tackle Boutoru FC, Igbedi at 1pm, Temple Owonaru FC faces Igbainwari FC at 3pm, as Okoloba FC hosts Ekpuware FC at the Kaiama Center at 3pm.
*MATCHDAY 10 RESULTS*
*AMASSOMA CENTER:*
Amassoma United *1* vs *1* NDU FC
(Amassoma Utd wins 10-9 on penalties)
*Amassoma United qualifies to Round of 32*
*AZUZUAMA CENTRE:*
Ayisco FC Ogboinbiri *0* vs *0* Alokobio FC Lobia II
(Ayisco FC Ogboinbiri wins 3-1 on penalties)
*AKASSA CENTER:*
Moses FC *1* vs *0* Fish Town FC
*Moses FC of Sangana qualifies to Round of 32*
*MATCHDAY 11 FIXTURES* Wednesday 21/06/23
*SAGBAMA CENTRE* moved to Ebedebiri Primary School
Agoro Fc *vs* Bolo-Orua 1pm
Angalabiri United *vs* Akede United Fc – 3pm
*OPOKUMA CENTRE:*
B.S.C.Y.C FC, Sampou *vs* Boutoru FC, Igbedi 1pm
Temple owonaru fc *Vs* Igbainwari FC – 3pm
*KAIAMA CENTRE:*
Okoloba FC *vs* Ekpuware Fc – 3pm
*KOLO CENTER:*
Hope Alive Fc *vs* Emayel II Fc – 11am
Apret Fc Imirngi *vs* Jerry FC, Ogbia – 1pm.
