Anyanwu Chibueze was the hero for Eagle Wings as his 60th-minute rocket was all the Darlington boys needed to lift the first edition of the Julius Aghahowa Super Cup on Sunday evening.
The two teams gave a good account of themselves from the blast of the whistle as they knew what was at stake for them after 90 minutes.
Julius Aghahowa presents the golden trophy to the champions.
Rolly FC who had gone into the game as the favourite with big wins in the previous meetings with both sides dominated play in the two halves, but a poor finish in front of goals was their undo throughout the game. Two goals scorer and one-assist provider in the semi-final, Raymond Ekenoba had chances that fell to his part in the first half fluffed and other times had Anyanwu Chibueze pegged him back from causing the team any damage.
Efe Joka was a thorn in the flesh of the Rolly defence with the display of his skilly which put them on alert all through the game. He had a series of nutmegging of players as well as some one-on-one mesmerizing of his opponents with his pace and touches. The teenager came close to scoring on two occasions after being put through on goal, but Rolly’s goalkeeper, Precious Ovie denied him with beautiful saves on the two occasions.
Tega Ovie a few minutes before his team’s goal also had a one-on-one with Precious Ovie, but the Eagle Wings’ forward could only hit his chance at the goalkeeper.
The second half resumed with both coaches making a few substitutions to tweak their tactics and their players didn’t fail with promising attacks launched but no goal from either side.
Eagle Wings’ luck eventually shone when they launched an attack from the right wing through Agana – he hit a shot punched out by the goalkeeper, the rebound which fell in the part of a well-placed Anyanwu Chibueze who released a shot from outside the box that zoomed past all the defenders and into the net.
Rolly from that moment raised their games and had a series of chances to get back into the game. Incessant attacks heaped more pressure on the Eagle Wings’ defence, but Benjamin Frank coordinated the defence line enough to wade off any threats that went their way.
All efforts by Rolly to go back into the game proved abortive as the centre referee, FIFA badged Aisossa and called the game to an end with wild jubilation by the winners.
Medals presentation followed for the third-placed team, BJ Foundation FC who defeated Rockers 4-2 courtesy of Precious’ four goals, the second-placed team, Rolly FC and the winners, Eagle Wings with a cash prize of #160,000; #70,000; #60,000 and #50,000 alongside trophies for the teams.
Present at the closing ceremony were LOC Chairman, Mr Larry Kubeinje; LOC member, Monday Kanu; Chairman of the occasion, Julius Aghahowa; Mr Felix Usih the special guest of honour, John Francis, a former commissioner in Edo State, Frank Evbuomwan and former Chairman Ikpoba Okah Local Government Area, Hon Osazuwa Eyorobo.
Rolly FC presented with the second-placed team trophy
Others are Baldwin Bazuaye, Chairman Nigeria Referee Association, Edo State chapter, Mr Johnbull Okundolor, and others.