Ottasolo FC defeated Seat of God 2-0 at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex yesterday, in an NLO promotion playoff to pick the only available NNL promotion ticket at the Ilorin centre.
Mercurial midfielder Samuel Ogunjimi and substitute Ridwan Adeshina scored in both halves to ensured the Lagosians cruised to an important victory over Seat of God FC to book a spot in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
‘The Solo Boys’ who were still basking in the euphoria of their unbeaten record in the group stage that set up a playoff final for them approached the game with huge determination and put their opponents from the North on the back foot right from the commencement of the proceedings.
A game full of exhibition of good football artistry and talking points saw Ottasolo scored two magnificent unreplied goals to gain promotion to the NNL.
Megba Tomola could have put Ottasolo in front on 5th minute when he charged forward on the right and wriggled past his marker before unleashing a fierce strike that drew a spectacular save from the goalkeeper of Seat of God.
Four minutes later, Samuel Ogunjimi watched on as his acrobatic effort from close range narrowly missed the mark.
Despite their dominance of ball possession, Ottasolo FC could not carve a hole out Seat of God resolute defense line that proved to be a hard nut to break.
Seat of God found it difficult to find their game feet in the game as they were pegged back to their half and resolved on catching Ottasolo FC on counterattack.
Their plan to rely on counter-attack materialized on 25th minute but Solumade Boluwaji and Jelili Moshood stood their ground to thwart the danger posed by Olufemi Micheal.
Ottasolo would then break the deadlock on 27th minute when Samuel Ogunjimi benefited from a lofty cross by John Peter that Seat of God defense could not deal with and volleyed home a spectacular close range strike.
Seat of God threw more men forward in search of the equalize but Ottasolo boys were always too strong for them to outsmart.
Ogunjimi Samuel could have completed his brace on the evening when he connected perfectly to a clever pass from Tomisin Adefuye, but his low effort was blocked to corne and the resultant cornerkick was cleared by Abubakar Lawal of Seat of God.
Seat of God could have restored parity with five minute into the second half when Esso Musa’s glancing header found the target but Samuel Ogunjimi does brilliantly to head clear the danger to keep Ottasolo’s lead intact
Coach Olufemi Elijah threw Adeshina Ridwan and Steven Ikenna into fray to add more enrgy to his team.
While his compatriot from Seat of God also introduced some fresh legs to fortify his team who were trailing by a goal.
On 68th minute, substitute Adeshina Ridwan doubled Ottasolo FC’s advantage with a clever tap-in off a sumptous cross by workaholic Hassan Hassan, following a brilliant build up orchestrated by Dominic Abah and John Peter.
With ten minutes before stoppage, Coach Olufemi Elijah introduced legendary Muri Ogunbiyi into the game in place of Hassan Hassan
The former Enyimba star’s first touch found the target but Seat of God goalkeeper, Sunday Okoh was on hand to save the danger.
Ottasolo goalkeeper, Korede Shodipo was forced to a clever save to keep out a powerful header from Philip Asemota on 88th minute.
The Northerners poised a late threat but Ottasolo’s defense stood their ground to ensure another clean-sheet in the competition.
With this vital victory, Ottasolo FC, who were unbeaten in seven games have now booked a place in the next season’s NNL.
