By Akila Matawal
A great start to the season for FC ONE Rockets has been halted by Abia Comets as both sides clashed on Saturday evening at the Umuahia Township Stadium, in a Nigeria National League (NNL) Southern Conference Group B2 encounter.
Eluwa Chinatu’s 24th minute curling free kick that hit the upright before bouncing around the goal line and cleared by the defense line of FC ONE Rockets counted and was the difference as the home side triumphed 1-0.
FC ONE Rockets started brightly and threatened in the fifth minute but Ugochukwu Obiri’s cross was well saved by Salami Kelvin.
The hosts then pressed forward and forced Christian Nwoke to a save minutes later.
In the 21st minute, the Indomitables had what was unarguably their biggest chance when an error in the Abia Comets box gave Ayuba Francis a glorious chance to break the deadlock. The lanky forward controlled the ball and broke free but fired his effort straight at Kelvin Salami who got his body to the ball to keep scores level.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute for the hosts as Eluwa Chinatu’s free kick that hit the woodwork was adjudged to have crossed the line and awarded for a goal.
Abel Abba twice had chances in the 35th and 79th minute but was denied by the Comets goalie. Paschal Onunze would also have his free kick cleared in the second half while Etim Charles was denied from the free kick spot as the game ended in favour of the hosts.
Coach Emmanuel King’s post match thoughts:
“The game if football is not about how beautiful you play. It’s not about keeping possession…We were very hopeful.
“On the whole, I have a conviction about the boys. They are young, promising with each passing day. Apart from conceding that goal, they tried.”
FC ONE Rockets Starting XI:
Christian Nwoke, Charles Etim, Paschal Onunze,Tumba Musa, Ogar Sampson, Ugochukwu Obiri, Harry Peters, Daniel Simon (Bidemi Temioluwa), Abel Abba (Samuel Anietie), Ayuba Francis (Ofem Nneoyi), Kuku Kingsley (Israel Consul)
Unused substitutes: Ramos Sani, Joshua John, Tosin Olabode, Abang Emmanuel, Udoh Akpan
Up Next:
Rockets who are on three points having won Apex Krane 1-0 on match day one, return to Uyo to prepare for a match day three clash with Crown FC of Ogbomoso next Friday.