Match Report: Osun United Picks Vital Away Point in Season’s Opener
Osun United Football Club started their 2024/2025 Nigerian National League (NNL) campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against First Bank FC on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams creating several scoring chances but ultimately failing to break the deadlock.
The Omoluabi Giants, under the guidance of head coach Seye Ajayi, were quick to assert themselves in the early stages of the match. In the 7th minute, a swift counter-attack led by Olateju Robiu saw striker Ganiyu Gberefun have a chance in the box, but his attempt drifted just wide, much to Osun United’s frustration.
First Bank FC responded almost immediately, with a strong surge in the 14th minute. A dangerous attack from the hosts nearly resulted in a goal, but Osun United’s central defender, Lekan Gabriel, made a timely interception. Just two minutes later, First Bank missed a glaring opportunity from point-blank range, keeping the score level.
As the game progressed, both teams exchanged several chances. In the 20th minute, a dangerous cross from First Bank was intercepted by Osun United’s wing-back Promise Taiwo, and goalkeeper Biola Sabitu made a key clearance following a set-piece scramble. Moments later, Osun United’s Ganiyu Gberefun broke free down the wing and delivered a perfect cross to Emmanuel Essien, whose shot agonizingly flew wide in the 24th minute.
Despite First Bank’s sustained pressure, Osun United’s defense remained resolute. The first half ended 0-0, with Gabriel receiving treatment for an injury before being replaced by Agbor.
In the second half, Osun United showed great resilience, repelling wave after wave of First Bank’s attacking moves. In the 50th minute, Robiu had a chance, but his shot was blocked after receiving a pass from Olalere Hakeem. Head coach Seye Ajayi made a tactical change in the 52nd minute, introducing new signings Gafar Olafimihan and Naheem Odugbemi, as well as Udom Samuel, to freshen up the attack.
As the match entered the final stages, the physicality of the game increased. Ganiyu Gberefun continued to menace the First Bank defense but was unable to capitalize on his chances. Meanwhile, First Bank kept pushing forward but was thwarted by Osun United’s disciplined defense. Boyo Solomon, Taiwo Promise, Justice Nwogu, and Paul Agbor, who replaced the injured Gabriel Lekan, kept the Bankers’ attackers at bay, with goalkeeper Biola Sabitu producing another moment of brilliance to deny a goal-bound effort.
Tensions grew when Emmanuel Essien received a controversial yellow card in the 72nd minute, but despite the pressure, Osun United held firm. Sabitu was later forced to leave the pitch for medical treatment after a heavy fall, but the defense remained unshaken, and the match ended in a goalless draw.
With the share of the spoils, Osun United earned their first point of the season on the road. Next, Osun United will be at home against Gateway United on December 14th, hoping to build on this promising start to their NNL season.
Check Out NNL Results Below;
