Two goals each from Solomon John and Lanignan Gbenga ensured that Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) secured a place in the quarter finals of the 2018 Ogun State FA Cup courtesy of a 6-3 victory over Lion Heart FC at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode today. Heading into a vital Nigeria National League (NNL) first home game clash with Delta Force billed for Sunday at the Gateway Stadium, Sagamu, Osho Fatai’s men produced a good goalscoring performance against the new boys.
The Sky Blue Stars got off a good start as they scattered Lion Heart FC plans early enough, Ogwuche Mathias looped over his opponent’s goalkeeper, Samuel Greeceman after he received a through pass to finish into the far top corner in the fourth minute of the game. Lion Heart FC offered little going forward but got their first attempt through Uzochukwu Christian, he received a direct pass from Charles Collins but fouled Ekene Obi in the process and the ball goes off play. Solomon John doubled the lead for the Sky Blue Stars, he forced his way pass Asaolu Abiodun to carefully send Samuel Greeceman the wrong way.
Sunday Williams assisted Solomon John get his brace and the third of the game after making his impact known by pacing Lateef Ayinde on the flank before sending in a cross inside the box and Solomon converted easily for his side. Charles Collins came close to getting a goal for his side after he found his way around the Sky Blue Stars defenders but his effort went inches wide. Ogwuche Mathias then got a blank cheque to get his first brace for Remo Stars after Lasisi Saheed released a through pass to him, he pushed the ball forward to take a shot but Samuel Greeceman immediately put his body to the ball to deny his move.
In the closing minutes of the first half, Lion Heart FC pulled one back through Charles Collins, Onabanjo Abiodun pushed Edoka Owoicho to the ground to set his player on before Collins converted to reduce the deficit. Just three minutes after the break, Lanignan Gbenga got his first goal for the Sky Blue Stars after Kenneth Chisom found him inside the box for an easy tap in. Lion Heart FC were much improved after the break, they were offered another chance but Abdulrasaq Adeyeye couldn’t convert after he received a diagonal pass but flipped the ball wide. Lanignan Gbenga then got his brace from Sunday Williams’ cross after he pushed his way forward to send in a cross and he was there to score for his side. The Lions created few chances and Lawrence Dennis eventually broke through to reduce their deficit to three after a defensive error from Edozie Ewelike.
The Sky Blue Stars continued to press on until Okumoye Timothy further reduced the deficit, he calmly send Uche Iloh the wrong way after a poor defensive error.
