Osun United vs. Hammola FC Osun State FA Cup final preview
This Saturday, the Osogbo Township Stadium will be rocking as Osun United FC and Hammola FC clash in the Osun State FA Cup final.
Ahead of the much-anticipated fixture, Osogbo-based freelance football journalist Isaac Sanyaolu (ZAZA) provides insights into the key players and predictions for the showdown:
Osun United’s Dynasty vs. Hammola FC’s Hunger:
Osun United, aiming for a second consecutive FA cup win, will face off against a resurgent Hammola FC side buoyed by their impressive form and aspirations to reclaim the trophy they won in 2022. The Lee Bombers will be determined to upset the reigning champions.
In the 2021 edition of the FA Cup final, Osun United emerged victorious over Hammola FC, but the Lee Bombers bounced back to claim the title in 2022. With both teams hungry for success, expect nothing less than an intense battle from start to finish.
What state are Hammola FC in going into the match?
Lee Bombers drew 1-1 and won 4-1 on penalties against Igbajo United FC in the Osun State FA Cup quarterfinals, and triumphed 2-1 in the semifinals against Telu FC at Ejigbo Township Stadium.
Coach Jamiu Mudathir Adekunle’s squad is in good physical shape and top form. If they perform at their peak against Osun United, they will pose a formidable challenge, especially considering their 0-0 draw in their last competitive fixture in the NLO last year. However, Coach Jamiu faces a dilemma in selecting his lineup, given the return of key midfielder Ganiyu Maruf Gbolahan from Ekiti United, which adds depth and competition to the team.
How prepared is Osun United FC for the upcoming match?
Osun United FC, under the guidance of Head Coach Ajayi Oluseye, has established themselves as a formidable force. In the road to the final, they defeated NLO side, Karamba FC 3-0 thanks to goals from free scoring attacking midfielder, Essien Emmanuel, Yemi Jacob and an own goal.
Additionally, the team has shown impressive form in the Nigerian National League, currently occupying the second position behind Ikorodu City FC and showing promising signs of qualifying for the promotion playoffs. While the club benefits from financial support from Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, their success is attributed to the astute leadership of Chairman Akin Maxwell and Coach Ajayi Oluseye. Should they secure the NPFL promotion ticket, it will further enhance their already stellar reputations.
Can Osun United’s defence hold firm and handle Odeyemi Qowiy?
Odeyemi Qowiy has been in exceptional form for Hammola FC, having scored a total of 7 goals in fewer than twelve games. Coach Seye might opt to deploy Afolabi Olatunbosun and Aminu Abubakar Goringo as center-backs on the day of the match, with Paul Agbor potentially starting on the bench for Osun United to neutralize the threat posed by the young striker.
Hammola FC players to watch:
Odeyemi Qowiy, the dynamic striker, has netted 7 goals since joining the Lee Bombers just over two months ago.
Francis Sunday Paul, wearing the Number 10 jersey, has been a standout performer in midfield, greatly contributing to Hammola FC’s success this season.
Ganiyu Maruf Gbolahan, the team’s captain, recently returned from a brief stint with Ekiti United FC and serves as Hammola’s key playmaker in the defensive midfield position.
– Defensive duo Olaniyan Abdullahi Gbotemi and Nifemi will be pivotal in thwarting Osun United’s formidable attacks, while the young and promising Ibrahim Isiaq and Awoeyo Ajibola add depth to the squad.
Osun Unted FC players to watch:
Ayodele Ismail, the leading scorer in the Nigerian National League (NNL) for Osun United, poses a significant threat to opponents. Ismail is at his best playing on the left, where he can attack the full-back with his pace or cut inside and unleash shots with his right foot. The Ilesha-born forward is the player who will cause most concern for Lee Bombers because he can be United’s match-winner. If Ismail plays well, United will win.
Emmanuel Essien, a prolific midfielder. There is also the threat of free-scoring midfielder Emmanuel Essien, who can also play in the supporting striker role.
Ebenezer Odeyemi and Rilwan Sadiq, both formidable players.
There’s also the duo of Ebenezer Odeyemi and Rilwan Sadiq. The very powerful Ebenezer who joined Osun United from Shootings Stars SC in the January transfer window and the silky Rilwan Sadiq who joined in from Akwa United will cause Hammola fc some problems too.
Osun State FA Cup final Prediction
With both teams evenly matched, Lee Bombers predicts a tight contest ending in a goalless draw, with the winner decided by penalties. It’s sure to be a nerve-wracking finish as Osun United and Hammola FC battle it out for FA Cup glory.
Who will lift the trophy? Will United extend their dominance, or
