Finals of NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup holds Saturday
Ifeanyi Eduzor
The finals of the ongoing inaugural Nationwide League One/Ikukuoma Super Cup will hold on Saturday, September, 16 between
Tudun Wada and Ave FC at the Uboma Secondary School Stadium Complex.
With the exit of Campos JNR FC and Dohz Academy from the tourney after losing 4-2 and 3-1 respectively to Divine Praise and Ikukuoma FC on Matchday 2 of the second round Group matches, the quest for a ticket to play in the grand finale, was down to results from the Matchday 3 fixtures.
Tudun Wada locked horns against Ikukuoma FC in a Group B tie, while Uboma based team Ave FC battled Divine Praise FC in an interesting Group A fixture. At the end of both matches, it was Tudun Wada and Ave FC that sealed their passage to Saturday’s epic final.
With a quarter of an hour into the first game of Matchday 3, Ikukuoma FC could have taken the lead but goalkeeper Muwadda Mohammed stood his ground to keep a clean sheet after he did well to deny Ukaegbu Chima from the spot kick.
Ikukuoma FC finally broke the deadlock, scoring in the 19th minute, but this time around; Chidozie Samuel was clever with his effort from the spot. The home team, then took the lead to the dressing room.
Tudun Wada, came out strongly in the second half and after five minutes, their effort paid off as Emmanuel Haris drew level making the most from a scramble after a school boy defending from Ikukuoma FC.
Ikukuoma FC who needed a win to qualify for the final, were left to rue their misses and poor defending as the game finished 1-1, thus leaving both teams level on 4points each but Tudun Wada had the edge with superior 3 goals difference as against 2 goals for Ikukuoma FC.
For Ave FC who needed just a point to qualify, gave themselves a boost as they defeated Divine Praise FC 2-0 with two quick goals scored by Alwell Jones within four minutes in the first half.
Alwell Jones put Ave FC in front in the 22nd minute after making the most of an assist from his teammate with a powerful header. He then completed his brace with another superb strike with his head in the 26th minute to send the Uboma fans into wide jubilation.
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