Osun United were forced to settle for a frustrating 2–2 draw against Godswill Akpabio FC in their Nigeria National League Matchday 9 encounter at Ileogbo, despite dominating long spells of the contest.
Coach Gbenga Onigbinde’s side began the game on the front foot, pressing aggressively and pinning the visitors in their own half. Adebayo Suraj, deployed as a makeshift winger, squandered an early opportunity as Osun United searched for a breakthrough.
The hosts controlled the first half but paid for their wastefulness in front of goal. Olorunda John, Awojobi Tomiwa and Dauda Olalere all missed clear chances, leaving the game scoreless at the interval and frustration growing among the home supporters.
Osun United raised the tempo after the break, with Onigbinde introducing fresh legs including Fred Ojaide, Moses Elijah, Sikiru Durodoye and Rasheed Adam. The changes paid off in the 68th minute when Awojobi Tomiwa curled home a brilliant free kick after Fred Ojaide was fouled just outside the box.
The lead lasted barely two minutes as Godswill Akpabio FC responded through Utipime Jonah, who headed home to restore parity. Osun United continued to press, forcing several fine saves from the visiting goalkeeper, while Hakeem Olalere struck the crossbar with a header ten minutes from time.
Despite being reduced to ten men late on, Godswill Akpabio FC stunned the home side when Utipime grabbed his second goal in stoppage time to put the visitors ahead. Osun United salvaged a point in dramatic fashion as Sikiru Durodoye fired home with virtually the last kick of the game.
After the match, club chairman Gbenga Ololade Oriowo did not hide his disappointment, particularly with the missed opportunities in the first half. He assured supporters that changes would be made ahead of the second stanza of the season.
“The league is still on, and we will come back smoking in the second round,” Oriowo said. “We will analyse every moment and take stock. The coming days will be interesting with the necessary shake-up. This is unacceptable, and we will respond.”
Osun United remain determined to turn their campaign around as attention now shifts to the second half of the season.
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