By Akeem Busari
Ekiti State football followers and stakeholders were Tuesday thrown into wild jubilations as the state-owned club, Ekiti United football club narrowly defeated Gateway FC 1-0 to retain its status in the Nigeria National League, NNL for next season.
The keenly contested match generated so much tension with the fans on the edges of their seats throughout the game. After a goalless first half, the home side began the second stanza on a frenetic pace and were duly rewarded with a spot kick. And to the chagrin of the expectant home fans, the team’s leading scorer, Tolulope Ojo failed to beat the opposing keeper who saved his effort.
Unrelenting, Ekiti United continued to pile pressure on their opponents and eventually got the much desired and match winning goal in the 85th minute through, Tunde Akinsemoyin.
Speaking with the press after the tension soaked game, an obviously elated team manager of Ekiti United express gratitude to God for the victory.
” We thank God for this victory. It was a difficult one, but we eventually got the much needed win to retain our status in the NNL. It would have been disastrous if we had gown down to the nationwide league,” he stated.
“We hope to do better in the next season because the state government have promised to increase the team’s funding. And we also believe that with improved welfare and renumeration packages, the team shall become a stronger force in Nigerian football, ” he enthused confidently.
This is the first time the state government owned team will retain its status in the NNL. The team had played at this level twice but got relegated on both occasions.