Watching with rapt attention just like a mender would observe his wards closely for details, Clement Temile, a former Green Eagles midfielder was among personalities seated at the VIP area of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan as hosts Smart City FC defeated Ogbomoso’s Crown FC 3-1 in a thrilling Match day 13 clash in Conference A of the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Both sides served up an entertaining showdown right from the kickoff with the home team getting ahead in the 4th minute through Ismail Adeoti.
As the game progressed, the 1984 AFCON silver medallist kept a close watch on the two teams as they tried to acquire the three points on offer as they deployed different tactical strategies.
Donald Obiajulu doubled the lead for the ‘Lagos Boys’ twenty minutes after their first, to keep a firm control on the game.
Donald Obiajulu (left) celebrates his goal with teammates
The first half ended that way.
At the restart, the ‘Ajilete Warriors’ stepped up their game with the hope of gaining control and buck their win-less run in five games.
However, despite their tactical improvements, the home lads got a third through Warrith Olaoye against the run of play in the 85th minute and put the game beyond the visitors who found a consolatory goal in the closing stages through Hammed Hammed as the match ended 3-1.
With a sign of surprise and satisfaction on his face, Temile expressed his candid views on the concluded encounter in what many regarded to as the ‘Most Important League’ in the country.
“To be frank with you I didn’t expect a standard like this,” he confessed. “The fan are not (so much) there but the players, they played very well. For a second division to play like this, they played very well. I’m so impressed with the pace of the game especially Smart City, they look younger than the other team (Crown FC) but their performance is excellent!” He submitted.
Temile who wields a UEFA A License Professional coaching qualification urged football authorities to give ex-internationals the opportunity of taking charge of some clubs as a way of engaging their knowledge and experience for the development of the game.
He however advised that such ex-players must be tested for their practical capacity before being handed appointments for the clubs.
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Credit: Tayo Ogunseye
