Osun United Football Club secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over First Bank FC of Lagos in the week three of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League at the Lanreleke Sports Complex in Ileogbo.
Coach Akin Onigbinde’s first official outing in charge was marked by two changes to the squad that started the game in Awka, and it paid off as the Gladiators ran away with all three points.
The home team enjoyed some possession and created chances, and were rewarded with a penalty following a foul on Balogun Idris inside the opponents’ danger area. Samuel Udoh converted from the spot to send Osun Utd upfront. The visitors rallied to restore parity, but the defensive fireworks led by Solomon Boyo, held firm.
The game took a dramatic turn just before halftime as teenage sensation Tomiwa Awojobi scored his second league goal. A terrific error by opponents’ goalie Lateef Nurudeen, who spilled an already gathered ball into the path of the pacy winger, allowed Tomiwa to tap the ball into an empty net, giving Osun Utd a 2-0 advantage at the break.
First Bank FC of Lagos pushed hard for an equalizer, but Osun Utd’s goalkeeper, Idris Titioso once again justified his starting berth and was equal to everything they threw at him. The visitors finally scored a consolation goal one minute from regulation time, stretching the United defence to score. However, it was too little, too late, as Osun Utd held on to secure hard fought victory.
Coach Onigbinde was visibly not satisfied with the performance, but acknowledged the maximum points gathered. He promised to regroup the boys and correct some persistent mistakes as his side continues to get things right and play to their maximum strength. “We will regroup and take on our next challenge, the boys are gradually coming up judging by the results that’s the signs of positive things to come. We hope to make our fans smile and justify the confidence they had in us. We shall prepare better for the next assignment and work for positive outcomes,” he said.
Next Up: Away to Abeokuta.
Osun Utd will now head to Stomers FC next weekend as Onigbinde whose capacity is much cherished is promising a better outing. The Gladiators will be looking to build on their momentum and secure another win in their quest for success in the Nigeria National League.
