Lions’ B Team fired blank as opponent’s resolute defense stood firm to earn a draw.

The Selection

Coach Gbenga Ologun stucked to his 4-4-2 formation keeping Otaki Tope in goal, Bonny, Victor, Romeo and Imoleayo completed the back four setup, the duo of Bello Olayemi and Lewey Abednego started in midfield meaning the energetic defensive midfielder Segun Emmanuel dropped to the bench for this encounter, Sunday Osasu and Gbemisola Emmanuel started from the flanks while Niyi and Vincent started upfront with Ogundumila Opeyemi missing out due to injury.

Half with few chances 

It was a rather quiet first half with limited opportunities for the lions with just two notable chances created. First was in the 25th minute when forward Oladimeji Niyi forced the goalkeeper into making a decent save.

 

Another chance to draw the first blood also came in the 29th minute this time from Victor Romeo with the overlapping defender taking a shot from distance which the goalkeeper could only punch away for a corner kick with Bonny’s effort from the rebound blocked by a defender to end the first 45 minutes goalless.

Goalless till the end

The deadlock would have been broken in the 50th minute through the lanky forward Oladimeji Niyi but he could only fire a tame effort into the goalkeeper’s gloves just inside the 18 yard area when he should have found the back of the net.

 

The coach made few changes to add more firepower upfront but the boys just couldn’t put the needed finishing touch when needed which gave the opposition’s defence a shout of joy immediately the referee signaled for fulltime to end the encounter without a goal for either side.

What’s next

The boys will take a day break before resuming back to training on Saturday morning to continue their preparations for the task ahead.

Wonderxchange B (4-4-2): Tope; Bonny, Romeo(Segun 60’), Victor, Imoleayo; Abednego, Olayemi, Osasu(Fisayo 56’), Emmanuel(Joseph 68’); Niyi, Vincent(Crespo 80’)

Booked: Bello Olayemi 12’