Lions Battle Ekiti United to a Gritty 0–0 Draw in Ijebu-Ode
SELECTION
There were notable adjustments to the XI that faced Adamimogo FC. Lekan returned from suspension to reunite with Abass at centre-back. Omolade and Oluwatosin kept their places at full-back, while Imoleayo remained in goal. Oluwatobiloba earned his first league start in midfield alongside Afolabi, while Melody replaced Dotun in the attacking setup. Glory got his first start from the left flank, with Damilola on the right and Mighty leading the line.
Tension from the First Whistle
The Lions looked composed from kick-off, creating early pressure through a sharp combination on the right between Glory and Mighty. Damilola nearly opened the scoring with a header that drifted wide. At the other end, Lekan produced a vital clearance to deny a clear chance, and Imoleayo calmly gathered the resulting corner.
A Show of Defensive Steel
Both sides matched each other’s intensity and structure through the first half. Afolabi and Abass were excellent in shielding the backline, with Abass making a brilliant sliding tackle to snuff out a dangerous attack. Melody, operating in a more advanced role, saw his long-range effort fly just over the bar before halftime, as both sides went into the break goalless.
Digging Deep in the Second Half
Ekiti United returned stronger in the second period, but Wonderxchange FC met the challenge head-on. Afolabi, who had earlier picked up a yellow, made an important clearance in the box to deny a potential opener. Abass also threw his body on the line with back-to-back blocks to keep the scores level. However, yellow cards to both players meant Afolabi would be unavailable for the next game.
Big Moments, Small Margins
With ten minutes left, Glory beat his man and found Mighty in the box, but the striker’s header glanced just wide. In stoppage time, Omolade had a chance to win it after being played through on the left, but the Ekiti United goalkeeper made himself big and pulled off a decisive save. Despite late pressure, the breakthrough never came.
Full-Time in Ijebu-Ode
The final whistle confirmed a goalless draw. Wonderxchange FC remain unbeaten against Ekiti United in all competitions and now have four points from three matches in the NLO campaign.
Match Details
Final Score: Wonderxchange FC 0-0 Ekiti United
Venue: Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode
Date: April 28, 2025
Kick-off Time: 8:00 AM
Wonderxchange FC XI: Imoleayo (Gk), Oluwatosin, Omolade, Abass (Chimobi 88’), Lekan (c), Afolabi (Dotun 90’), Oluwatobiloba, Melody, Damilola, Glory, Mighty
Unused Subs: Temitope, Abednego, Sunday, Madu, Odunayo, Amuda, Seun
Yellow Cards: Damilola (7’), Afolabi (68’), Abass (70’), Dotun (90+4’)
What’s Next?
The Lions return to action soon against Reign FC, aiming to bounce back from two games without a win as the NLO group stage heats up.
