Ekiti United continued their impressive home dominance in the Nigeria National League on Sunday afternoon as they edged past Osun United 1-0 inside the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti. It was another statement performance from the BAO Boys, who remain one of the most reliable home sides in the Southern Conference B this season.
Coming into the encounter, Ekiti United were unbeaten at home with four wins from four matches. Osun United, on the other hand, arrived in Ado Ekiti still searching for their first away point of the campaign. The contrasting form was evident in a tense and physical contest that demanded patience and discipline from the hosts.
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The first half was evenly contested, with Ekiti United controlling possession while Osun United remained compact and cautious. The game saw its first major disciplinary moment in the 30th minute when Godwin Festus was shown a yellow card for simulation following a penalty appeal that failed to convince the referee.
The breakthrough finally arrived immediately after the restart. Just one minute into the second half, Damilola Adeyeye, wearing shirt number two, rose to the occasion, finding the back of the net in the 46th minute to send the home fans into celebration. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Ekiti United’s favour and forced Osun United to chase the game.
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Ekiti United managed the remainder of the contest with composure, making timely substitutions to maintain energy and structure. Opeyemi Falade made way for Laide James in the 59th minute, while Segun Ajengele was replaced by Kayode Yusuf in the 76th minute. Godwin Festus later exited in the 84th minute as Pius Chikodi came on to help close out the game.
Osun United responded with multiple changes of their own in search of an equaliser. Moses Samuel and Olorunda John were introduced at the start of the second half, followed by Samuel Vaon in the 57th minute. Late substitutions saw Durodoye Sikiru and Adam Rasheed enter in the 80th minute, but Ekiti United’s defensive organisation held firm.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Ekiti United, further cementing their reputation as a difficult side to face at home this season.
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With this result, the BAO Boys have climbed to third position on the Nigeria National League Southern Conference B table, sitting behind Sporting Lagos and Akwa United. Their position could still be affected depending on the outcome of the midweek fixture between Abakaliki FC and First Bank FC scheduled for Wednesday, 7 January.
The win keeps Ekiti United firmly in the promotion conversation and highlights their growing maturity as the season approaches the midpoint.
Full Weekend Results Nigeria National League Southwest Conference
Abia Comets 1-3 Heartland FC
Beyond Limits FA 3-0 Sunshine Stars
Crown FC 1-1 Inter Lagos
FC Edel FC 2-0 Gateway United
Solution FC 3-2 Rovers FC
Godswill Akpabio FC 0-2 Sporting Lagos
Akwa United 2-0 Stormers FC
Ekiti United FC 1-0 Osun United FC
Feature Image Credit: Ekiti United Media
