Taofeek Babatunde was the hero as Gateway United beat Ladegbuwa 1-0 to emerge champions of the 2023 Ogun FA preseason tournament.
The final, held at MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta, saw the Gateway side take an early lead courtesy of Taofeek Babatunde’s alertness, slotting the ball past the opponent’s netminder off a back pass.
Ladegbuwa FC of Ikija Ijebu piled pressure in the dying minutes of the game through long balls, but the trio of Andrian Eddidong, Adeniyi Adekunle, and Raheem Ibrahim (goalkeeper) ensured the solitary goal was enough to lift the trophy.
Gateway United head coach Samson Omiponle believes the clash wouldn’t have come at a better time to prepare his boys for the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League opener.
“I’m glad with the outcome of the game. It’s always not easy playing a local side of this kind. They threw everything at us, but my boys gave a good account of themselves.”
“This has come at the right time days before our away trip to Osun United for the NNL opener. The tournament has hereby achieved its aim. This is not the time to boast; it’s time to work and work hard, and the players are quite aware of the assignment,” he concluded.
Leave a comment