In a thrilling matchday six match in the Nigeria National League, or NNL, Gateway United defeated Osun United 2-1, with Sanni Jamiu emerging as the hero.

The team that defeated Bendel Insurance in the midweek match remained unchanged.

Haruna Salifu missed a free kick from Samuel Akintola in the fourth minute, giving the home team a strong start.

Ogunleye Sulaimon’s tease cross to the area gave the home team more push, but Odudu Francis of Osun Utd was in a good position to nod in warning.

The first would occur in the 24th minute when Adebayo Aleem was assessed by the center referee to have touched the ball in  the box. Haruna Salifu stepped up and converted from the spot.

Haruna Salifu nearly scored a brace, but he was only able to head wide Sunkanmi’s cross from a distance.

In the first half, the home team squandered an opportunity when defender Iwundu Chidozie nodded down a tease that rebounded off the goal.

Despite his best efforts, Haruna Salifu was unable to keep his header down long enough to hit the goal.

Until a thrilling conclusion to the second half, neither team had any clear-cut opportunities as the second half continued.

First off, Owolabi Habeeb gave the visiting team the equalizer in the 88th minute with a glanced header after meeting Abdulraheem’s cross.

Unfazed, Gateway United surged forward for a late victory, and they were suitably rewarded when Sanni Jamiu’s well-placed corner kick found its way into the area, and the rest of the team was in the net, grinning from a thunderbolt hit.

A goal that was worthy of Gateway United’s entire evening’s play.

With 12 points after the victory, the Ogun State-based team is currently clear of Osun United and leads Group B one of the NNL Southern Conference.

Reaction of coach

Coach Toyin Ayinla conveyed his satisfaction with his team’s energetic effort as they grinded out a 2-1 victory.

The game wasn’t simple. The quantity of wasted opportunities in the first half made things more challenging, but we played with perfect poise and character in the second half, especially after Osun United tied the score. We demonstrated to the world that the game’s charm lies in the fact that it never ends. At the end of it all, there was excitement because the boys fought well. Very pleased with the boys.

“We will take it a game after the other, next is an away game to Stormers, a derby for us. We will not take our feet off the accelerator. There’s always one or two things to correct at the end of a win, so we will work that out. Thanks to the Almighty for  a competitive win like this, and of course our fans that didn’t give up, they knew we were capable of producing the magic moment”

Gateway United will next face Stormers FC of Abeokuta in a derby at MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta on Sunday 20th March, 2022