By Segun Folarin
Kabiru Popoola’s composed penalty helped Gateway United to secure a 1-nil victory over Calabar Rovers in their Nigeria National League, NNL final fixture played at Gateway International Stadium, Ilaro.
Coach Festus Allen made three changes to his starting lineup, introducing Lekan Abdulsalam, Olufemi Famuyiwa, and Lekan Adeleye, with the hosts looking to build on a solid defensive foundation from the outset.
The match began with both teams displaying defensive discipline, but it was Gateway United who created the first clear-cut chance in the 7th minute. Samuel Christian broke through the Rovers defense and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Treasure Ikechukwu, only for Rovers’ Johnson Emmanuel to clear it off the line with a timely header.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Lekan Abdulsalam was brought down inside the Rovers penalty area. Kabiru Popoola stepped up to calmly convert the penalty, sending Gateway into the break with a 1-0 lead.
After halftime, Raheem Ibrahim replaced the slightly injured Titioso Idris in goal for Gateway United. Rovers pushed for an equalizer, and in the 55th minute, Amos Okoro’s thunderous shot forced Ibrahim into a crucial save, tipping the ball over the bar. Gateway United, however, missed a few chances. Famuyiwa’s low drive from the left missed wide, and Fadipe’s low drive free kick was parried away by Ikechukwu.
Despite a late surge from Rovers, Gateway remained resolute defensively. In a counter-attack, Abdulsalam wriggled past Rovers’ Etete Okon and squared the ball to substitute Daniel Fadipe, but his effort was thwarted by Ikechukwu’s outstretched leg.
The match ended with Gateway holding firm to secure all three points in a hard-earned victory, a fitting way to close out the year, with 4 points from possible 9.
In a Post match interview Coach Festus Allen who expressed mixed emotions after the win acknowledged his team’s compact performance, and also rued the missed opportunities to score more than once.
Gateway United will begin the new year with an away fixture against Sporting Lagos on January 5th, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
