Looking back at a successful Nigeria National League (NNL) 2023/24 season Super 8 playoffs in Enugu where we secured promotion, it’s also worthy of reflection to see our players win awards every matchday even till the last day.
Our first game saw us face off against brothers and Lagos rivals, Inter Lagos. It was the fifth meeting with Inter and a second consecutive as the battle saw us take a very early lead through Ayomide Cole but lost it later on in a 1-1 result. It was a top performance lacking only goals from the team and our captain, Waliu Ojetoye picked up the NNL Man of the match award.
Game two was against the enterprising Beyond Limits football academy. A game that tested the best of the boys’ character, having to come from behind to steal a point, a rare position from the team. A stellar performance helped win a penalty which we couldn’t convert and reduced Beyond Limits to ten men. The pressure wasn’t enough to produce a goal but the performance of Salau Yusuf caught the eye as he picked up the player of the match award despite the equalizer coming from Ajeyigbe Toyeeb.
The final game, out of the championship title race but condemned to win if we’re to gain promotion. We faced an opponent who we haven’t defeated in our only two meeting with them, Madiba FC. A first half goal from Ajeyigbe Toyeeb was welcomed but not enough to calm the nerves of the team. The striker added a second with his brace and that not only calmed the nerves but sealed our promotion in a 2-0 victory. Toyeeb picked up the man of the match award.
Ajeyigbe Toyeeb also picked up the playoff top scorers award for his 3 goals. Beyond Limits Arierhi Kparabo also finished with 3 goals but Toyeeb managed his in 3 games while Kparabo did in 4 games as he played the championship final.
A total of four awards for the OgaBoys at the NNL Super 8 promotion playoffs including the promotion ticket. What a time we had in Enugu.
