RICHBEN FC in a group photograph before the opening match of the ongoing Likeminds FC Tournaament{Owolabani Memorial Cup)
By Raphael Ekpang
The stage is set as the indivisible RichBen FC tackles Dolphins FC in the final of the ongoing Likeminds FC In-House Tournament (Sunny Owolabani Memorial Cup) on Saturday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
RichBen FC emerged top on the table after thrashing Amigochi FC 2-0 in the second semi finals encounter played on September18, 2020 at the Likeminds FC mini-stadium in Utako.
The first half of the game ended 0-0 as both sides put on their best performances. However, on resumption in the second stanza of the game, Ben Ngoka who played behind Charles Ohaji in a 4-4-2 formation broke the deadlock at exactly 25 minutes into the game when he sent fans of RichBen FC into a wild jubilation when he converted a pullout from the right wing into the back of the net.
The game progresses with so many attempts by both teams, but, the two goalkeepers were fantastic.
The skipper of RichBen FC, Richmond Edet’s attempt to record his first goal of the tournament was truncated by goalkeeper Celestine Ezeonya.
Meanwhile, RichBen FC stepped up its game again at five minutes to the final whistle when Ngoka again picked a loose ball from the 18-yard box and dribbled past two defenders before scoring his second goal of the tournament, thereby relegated AMIGOCHI FC to the bottom of the table.
Earlier, DOLPHINS FC played a barren draw against DBoss/Tchair FC in the first semi finals’ game, the result however, sent Dolphins FC into the final while DbossTchair FC settled for a third place encounter against AMIGOCHI FC.
The President of Likeminds FC who double as the captain of one of the finalists, RichBen FC ,Richmond Edet in an exclusive interview with Corereporters.com.ng said that the tournament was organize by the members of Likeminds FC in memory of their late member, Sunny Owolabani who died in September 27, 2019. He noted that, they organized the tournament in full compliance with COVID-19 protocol as directed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Sunny Ebe, Dolphin FC left winger
“We are law abiding citizens; we are in full compliance of the FG COVID-19 directives. In fact, all we are set to achieve is to remember our member who died September last year (2019), and by God’s grace we’re getting there,” he said.
Though, unconfirmed report has it that AMIGOCHI FC sacked their coach, Egedege having guided the team to record one draw and two defeats at the ongoing tournament, thereby, placing them at the bottom of the table. Our efforts to confirm the story prove abortive as the club owners; Ndubuisi Ohajesi and Chief Oguchwukwu Okeke and the captain, Prince Chinedu Steve could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Dolphins FC’s winger, Sunny Ebe, a former left winger of DRAGON FC of Bankpor Irruan, Boki, Cross River State has vowed to lead his team to victory come Saturday, September 27, 2020, adding that with his level of fitness there is no how he cannot beat the defence and get a winning goal for his team
