Head coach of ASE Ridyem FC, Adekunle Azeez Azular, has urged his players to remain grounded following their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over debutants Ileogbo United FC in their opening fixture of the 2025/2026 New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One (NLO) Osun Center.
The thrilling encounter at the Lanre Leke Sports Complex, Ile Ogbo, saw ASE Ridyem FC recover from a first-half deficit to seal all three points, courtesy of second-half goals from Idris Sefiu and Taiwo Afolabi. However, despite the positive result, Coach Azular was quick to remind his players and supporters that the journey has only just begun.
“We won our first game, but we really can’t get carried away with that,” Azular said in his post-match reaction. “One win is not going to qualify us. We know what we have to do next.”
The Osogbo-based side showed resilience after conceding a 27th-minute opener to Ileogbo United’s Moshood Ridwan. They weathered additional threats in the first half and eventually turned the game around with a solid second-half display.
Azular acknowledged the efforts of his players but shifted immediate focus to their next challenge – a crucial Match Day Two clash against Hammola FC, who had a bye in the first round of matches.
“We have a tough match against a strong Hammola FC side on Saturday and we need to win that one. We know what we need to do on Saturday. We can’t continue living in the past,” he concluded.
ASE Ridyem FC currently sit among the early leaders in Group A alongside Akoment FC and Victory Police FC, who also secured victories in their respective openers.
Matchday Two action at the Osun Center resumes on Saturday, April 26, with ASE Ridyem FC aiming to continue their winning start when they face Hammola FC at the Lanre Leke Sports Complex.
