Saturday, November 30, 2024
The much-anticipated opening match of the Nigeria National League (NNL) 2024/2025 season kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Abakaliki FC and Madiba FC at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The match, which started promptly at 3:00 PM, was a spectacle full of drama, as both teams showed their hunger for a strong start to the new season. After an early goal from the hosts, the game saw a number of exciting moments, including a late equalizer from Madiba FC, with the match finishing 2-2.
First Half: Early Lead and Equalizer
Abakaliki FC took the lead early in the 7th minute through a well-taken goal. The home side dominated possession, with their attacking pressure paying off just minutes into the game. However, Madiba FC quickly responded, and their persistence bore fruit in the 33rd minute when David Adeyemi scored a stunning equalizer. The goal, a beautifully executed finish, drew the visitors level at 1-1.
Both sides continued to press forward in search of a second, but outstanding saves from Madiba FC’s goalkeeper Tijani and resilient defending from both teams kept the score locked at 1-1. The first half saw no further goals, despite Abakaliki FC’s repeated attempts to regain the lead.
Second Half: Late Drama
The second half kicked off with renewed intensity, and Abakaliki FC nearly regained the lead in the 69th minute. A powerful header gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage, but Madiba FC was not to be outdone. Just five minutes later, in the 74th minute, Madiba FC capitalized on a defensive blunder by Abakaliki FC to equalize once more, with Ifeanyi scoring an opportunistic goal to make it 2-2.
Both teams made several substitutions as the match wore on, looking to find a decisive goal, but neither could break the deadlock. Despite a few nervy moments in the final minutes, including a point-blank save by Madiba’s goalkeeper to preserve the draw, the match ended with a 2-2 scoreline.
A Promising Start for Both Teams
The draw was a fair reflection of the game’s closely contested nature, with both sides showing moments of brilliance and a few lapses in concentration. Abakaliki FC will be disappointed not to have secured all three points after taking the lead twice, but Madiba FC’s resilience earned them a valuable point on the road.
The result sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season in the Nigeria National League as teams across the country continue their bids for promotion to the top flight.
Upcoming Fixtures
The 2024/2025 NNL season will continue with several fixtures next week, including Conference A matches featuring Sporting Lagos, Solution FC, and First Bank of Lagos, while Conference B will see Smart City, Edel FC, and I472 in action. Additionally, fixtures in Conferences C and D will include Sokoto FC, Zamfara, and Kebbi United, among others.
For Abakaliki FC and Madiba FC, their battle for promotion continues as the season progresses, and both teams will be eager to build on their performances from today’s thrilling opener.
Full-time Score:
Abakaliki FC 2 – 2 Madiba FC
