Substitute Rabiu Abdullahi’s 55 minute goal gave host Bayelsa 1-0 victory over Heartland FC of Owerri in a matchday seven encounter in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
The Prosperity Boys returned to winning ways after the midweek disappointing result against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.
Kehinde Malik returned to the starting eleven after several weeks on the sidelines due to injury with forward Foluwa Akpokabowei making his first start of the season.
Rabiu Abdullahi put the Prosperity Boys ahead on 55 minutes from Yahaya Ibrahim’s low cross when Foluwa Akpokabowei picked up the ball and meandered his way past Heartland FC defenders to find a well positioned Yahaya.
Despite the cagey first half, the Naze Millionaires on two occasions came very close but the duo of Elvis Ori and Chijioke Opara’s effort was caught short by Bayelsa United goalkeeper, Godgift Elkanah.
Tarabina Biwerebo just before the halftime break missed a close chance that could be described as the best chance during the game but saved by the visitors’ goaltender Chukwuebuka Nwokoecha.
The victory leaves the Prosperity Boys with nine points after seven games and will next face Lobi Stars at the Lafia Township Stadium.
A relieved technical adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso in a post match interview, hailed the spirit of the lads but raised concern over his team’s continuous wastefulness in front of goal despite creating opportunities.
Heartland FC coach, Emmanuel Amuneke attributed the defeat to the team’s lack of concentration in the second half, stating that the team gave good account of themselves.
Cautions Yellow Card:
Christian Nkwo 43 minute
Peters Afolayan 50 minute
Foluwa Akpokabowei 90+1
Substitutes:
Rabiu Abdullahi – Awual Sadiq 45 mins
Bassey John – Obed Junior 60 mins
Amedu Goforth – Kehinde Malik 71 mins
Hassan Oladimeji – Saro Loveday 90+1
Simon Daniel – Jawad Mustapha 90 + 2
Starting XI:
Godgift Elkanah,Issa Yusuf, Hassan Oladimeji,Tarabina Biwerebo, Gabriel Biriduba, Jawad Mustapha, Kehinde Malik, Awual Sadiq, Yahaya Ibrahim, Obed Junior, Foluwa Akpokabowei.
Unused Substitutes:
Olisa Emmanuel, Ogundare Arise, Akpos Godbless, Okardi Inikurogha.
