By Nengi Ernest
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Inter-professional/Veterans Football Championship kicked off Saturday, December 7, at the UBTH Sports Complex with the highly anticipated clash between the defending champions Nigeria Medical Association Football C and Benin Cameroon Football Club.
The defending champions, NMA FC, began their title defence with a 2-1 victory over Cameroon FC in a closely contested match between the two sides. NMA FC dominated the early exchanges, dictating the tone of the game from the midfield to the attack. Their pressure paid off in the 10th minute when Mkar Reuben, the highest goal scorer for the 7th edition of the championship, opened the scoring from close range.
Cameroon FC, on the other hand, continued with their fine style of play, knocking the ball around on the lush green pitch with Obazelli Shedrach leading the fancy play by the Red and Green side.
In the 28th minute of the game, a freekick was awarded to Cameroon FC from the same position from which NMA scored their first goal as it was an identical freekick, but Oshioke Samuel’s shot was blocked for a corner kick, which yielded nothing.
A clearance from the corner gave the NMA an advantage to launch a counterattack — Reuben landed the last pass from the initiative to connect well with Ohis Ohioma who wasted no further seconds before he converted into the second in the 29th minute.
The first yellow card of the game was given to Ediale Micheal of NMA FC for a rough tackle on a Cameroon player.
Cameroon FC, desperately in search of a goal, gave a goal scare, but the shot by Kenne Zache was taken timidly. After many struggles, Cyril Idah got the long-awaited goal in the 40th minute for Cameroon FC, reducing the deficit and ending the first half with three goals.
The second half saw many tactical changes from both teams. Cameroon FC continued with their gentle passing system and hoped to equalise while NMA FC was very keen on defence so as not to concede. The second yellow card was given to Okechukwu Dickson for a hard tackle on Mogho Terence even if they were both down.
After much knocking on the doors of the NMA, Dickson couldn’t continue and was replaced by Elliott Igile in the 59th minute. Big opportunities emerged for both teams also but they were not able to add to their goal tally.
In the 63rd minute, Cameroon FC missed out on a glorious chance when Oshoke took a free kick which nearly was into the post but was blocked by his fellow player mistakenly, whereas in the 66minute, Reuben of NMA made a smooth pass to Micheal, who beat his marker but his cross went begging. The NMA team defence held firm and sealed the win 2-1, getting all 3 points.
The second game of the day was an absolute nail-biter, with Edo MLS FC and NNPC FC serving up a five-goal feast that left fans on the edge of their seats. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams refusing to give an inch.
It was Edo MLS FC who drew first blood, thanks to a beautifully crafted goal from Ayeni Emmanuel Tyler in the 37th minute. Okolo Shadrach and Omogbeme George combined to set up the strike, which was expertly finished by Tyler.
NNPC FC, however, were not about to let their opponents have it all their way. They fought back to level the scores just a minute later, with Kokodinho grabbing the equalizer.
The second half was an absolute thrill ride, with Edo MLS FC retaking the lead in the 48th minute courtesy of a stunning strike from Osasuyi Gift.
As a result of the hot weather, players were given a two-minute water break. But the action didn’t let up for long, with NNPC FC pushing hard for an equalizer.
The toiling materialized in the 72nd minute, thanks to a clever finish from second-half substitute Dolapo Olanrewaju.
Just when it seemed like the game was destined for a draw, Imorou Macday popped up with the winner for Edo MLS FC, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory.
The third match of the day saw Bankers FC put on a show, handing NBA FC a crushing 3-0 defeat. The game got off to an electrifying start, with Ohaegbu Izuchukwu finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the early minutes but fluffed the opportunity.
Their persistence paid off in the 5th minute when Onah Paul delivered a pinpoint cross to Osamudiamen Silas, who then set up Ohaegbu Izuchukwu for the opening goal. Bankers FC continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded when Onah Paul doubled their lead in the 35th minute. The first half belonged to Bankers FC, and they took a well-deserved 2-0 lead into the break.
In the second half, NBA FC showed flashes of brilliance, stringing together some impressive passes. However, they struggled to capitalize on their chances, and Bankers FC made them pay. Ohaegbu Izuchukwu sealed the win for Bankers FC with a brace, taking the score to 3-0.
In the last game of the day, Golden Age FC and Panthers FC ended their game on a barren draw, registering the first sharing of the spoils of the tournament.
Hostilities continue on Sunday when the University of Benin Football Club will talk on Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at 2 pm in the first match of the day, with Benin Recreation Club taking on Dominion FC at 4 pm.
The opening game was graced by dignitaries across professions with Major General Nasiru Shagaye (Commandant of Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport) taking the ceremonial kick accompanied by Prof. Darlington Obaseki (CMD UBTH) and the Edo State FA Chairman Fred Newton.
Other dignitaries present were Prof. Stanley Okugbo (Chairman Medical Advisory Committee), Dr. Mrs. Esohe Ogboghodo (Deputy CMAC research and ethics), and Mohammed Gaji (Sports Officer NASST)