FC GIWA head coach, Shakiru GIWA, has praised the Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup for providing a valuable platform for grassroots talents to showcase their abilities after his side secured a 2-1 victory over FC Odiaka in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
Speaking to Sports247 after the tension soaking match, Coach GIWA described the competition as an important avenue for clubs to discover and recruit quality players, noting that several talented youngsters had caught his attention during the tournament.
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“We are playing against a very good side that trains well and consistently exposes players. For us, this competition is very important because it allows us to see players we may want to sign.
We cannot always afford to buy big players, so tournaments like this help us identify talents that can strengthen our team,” he said.
The FC GIWA boss also commended tournament organiser Elijah Tyson for his commitment to grassroots football development.
“I can see a lot of young players here who only need encouragement to showcase their talent.
This competition gives them that opportunity. The tempo of the matches is very high and it shows that the people behind the competition understand football. Kudos to Hadji Gafar for creating this platform,” he added.
On the pitch, FC GIWA earned a slender first-leg advantage thanks to a brilliant first-half display inspired by Bright Nkocha.
FC Odiaka started the brighter of the two sides and nearly opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Ishola Junior beat the goalkeeper to the ball but somehow failed to convert from close range.
The miss proved costly as FC GIWA took the lead five minutes later. Bright Nkocha won possession on the right flank, drove forward and unleashed a powerful strike from about 25 yards that beat the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
FC Odiaka responded positively and drew level in the 21st minute through an own goal.
Lawal Seun’s dangerous low cross into the penalty area was inadvertently turned into his own net by FC GIWA defender Ishola Rasak.
The visitors almost completed the turnaround moments later when Seun headed wide from a promising position, but FC GIWA regained their lead in the 27th minute.
Once again, Nkocha was the hero as he capitalised on a defensive error to score his second goal of the afternoon and restore his side’s advantage at 2-1.
The forward nearly completed a hat-trick before halftime, narrowly missing the target with a delightful chipped effort.
FC Odiaka dominated large portions of the second half as they searched for an equaliser. Ishola Junior, Soumah Mohammed, Kadiri Collins and Lawal Seun all came close, while goalkeeper Basit Isiaka produced several crucial saves to keep FC GIWA in front.
Lanre Fiao also made a vital goal-line clearance after a goalmouth scramble, helping the home side withstand intense late pressure from FC Odiaka.
Despite the visitors’ relentless attacks in the closing stages, FC GIWA held firm to secure a 2-1 victory and take a narrow advantage into the second leg.
FC GIWA take a one-goal advantage into the return leg after a hard-fought contest at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Match Summary
Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup – Round of 16 (First Leg)
FC GIWA 2-1 FC Odiaka
Goals:
14′ Bright Nkocha (FC GIWA)
21′ Ishola Rasak (Own Goal)
27′ Bright Nkocha (FC GIWA)
