Sports
Go Round FC Secures Victory In Omoku
Adelani Adeseun scored the only goal of the game in the 17th minute to hand NPFL new boys, Go Round FC its first ever win in the top flight against Akwa United.
It was Solomon Nwachukwu who drove into the Akwa United box, losing the ball in the process, but a mix up between goalkeeper, Olorunleke and his defenders ensured that Adelani got the last ball to put his side one goal up early in the game.
Coach of Go Round FC, Ngozi Elechi had to make a late change from his starting line up as captain Nelson Esor had to be taken a few hours to kick off as an old injury relapsed.
As such he was forced to change from the diamond 4-4-2 he played in Jos against Wikki Tourists to a 4-3-3 with Adelani, George Vincent and Solomon Nwachukwu leading the midfield and the trio of Stanley Worlu, Uchenna Ezeala and Morris Chukwu in midfield.
In the 27th minute, Odinaka Onyirumba was forced to make a franctic clearance after goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali was forced to save from point blank range a header from a corner kick.
A forced change due to injury saw George Vincent taken off in the 36th minute for Okon Otop, but nothing was enough to change the score line that remained 0-0 at half time.
At the restart, Abdu Maikaba made two changes, Christian Pyagbara replacing Haggai Katoh and Michael Ibe in for Christopher Lolo.
Okon Otop had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 50th minute when Nwachukwu’s cross field pass freed him in the Akwa United penalty area but the striker shot wide when it would have been easier to score.
Three minutes later, it was Christian Pyagbara who had his chance to draw his side level.
He stylishly went past the Chile Azu and Onyirumba Odinaka in the Go Round defence but shot wide with just keeper, Nwabali to beat.
It was Nwabali again who got edgy with the ball in the 67th minute as he kicked a back pass to him onto the path of Victor Mbaoma even with no pressure but the player failed to score even though there was no one in the post.
With twelve minutes left on the clock, Akwa United took off Ubong Friday for Adeshina Gata, Morris Chukwu got a red card for rough play and then Akwa United captain, Otobong Effion was yellow carded with eight minutes left to play.
Stanley “Obasanjo” Worlu beat Olorunleke from thirty yards but his effort ricochet off the upright as Go Round FC held on for a famous win in their first ever NPFL season.
Elechi admitted that his players were jittery in the first halt but finally picked up to take the win.
“It was a very difficult match and from day one we knew it was going to be tough. I commend my boys for putting up a fight especially in the second half and I am happy the efforts paid off,” Elechi said.
Abdu Maikaba of Akwa United described Go Round FC as a good side that could even get better.
“They are a good team but we must understand that they just came in to the top division. I believe that with more matches they will do better.
“My side is also good but with the style of football we play, the pitch did not help matters,” Maikaba said.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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