Nigerian Concord Newspaper
A first-half brace from Lobi Stars’ sensational winger, Joseph Atule helped the Pride of Benue to demolish Nigeria Premier League giant, Akwa United at the ongoing Niaja Super 8 group B tie at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos.
The winger who was yet to score before today’s game faced some criticisms from some groups of soccer fans for being wasteful in front of the goal.
However, it was the opposite today when the Makurdi based confronted the Promise Keeper in an important encounter that only a positive result from the camp of the “Shoe Gets Size” boys will guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals of the newly innovated tournament.
Atule rose to the occasion and put his side in the driving seat when he clinically guided a lovely cross from Adebayo Waheed with his chest into the net in the 15th minute to change the scoreline to 1-0 in favour of the Makurdi boys.
Coach Fatai Osho’s men stepped up their game after restarting in search of an equalizer but met a deadlock as their efforts were all neutralized, rather it was the Makurdi-based that smiled once again when Atule doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with his solo effort after David Okoromi released him on goal to beat Goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah to take 2 nil advantage going into the first half break.
Both teams resumed hostilities after the break for the final 45 minutes, Atule came close for his third of the day but misses out from close range.
Cyril Olisema and Collins Uchenna combined to reduce the deficit as minutes ticked down to the final whistle, however, their efforts were thwarted by the Lobi Stars defence line marshalled by Goalkeeper Luck Jimoh and Tony Agbaji to secure the two goals advantage upon final.
The result has zoomed the Makurdi side into the Semifinals of the Naija Super 8 and emerged as the group B winners with 7 points.
Atule’s performance won him a Man of the Match.