Ekiti United Represents State In Aiteo’s Cup Qualifiers

The Ekiti State University school team, EKSU Galacticos were at loggerheads with Ekiti United at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium on Monday for the final Aiteo Cup qualifiers. 

EKSU Galacticos, who went through several thorns to reach the finals, bowed silently to the state-owned club side in a match that ended 3-0 at the home grounds of Ekiti United.

The match paraded Ekiti United loanee, Taiwo Oripelaiye, from Shooting Stars, a former player of the EKSU Galacticos who scored his debut goal for the state club. Oripelaiye scored in the 14th minute of the game via a simple shot to put the Ekiti boys in an early lead. Not far from the ambiance moment of victory, Ekiti United added one more goal in the 15th minute when Oripelaiye was hit by Galacticos player Thompson at the box. Stephen Nwainu converted the penalty kick to a goal, giving the side a clear lead in the first half. 

Despite efforts made by the university boys to come back, the Ekiti United goalkeeper, Wale Akeju, focused on the ball despite distractions from the opponents. His denial caused the university boys to end the first half with a two-goal deficit.

The second half began in style although Ekiti United was one player down due to a red card issued to Nurudeen Safariyu towards the end of the first half. 

The university boys were on target when the skipper, Rasheed Opeyemi, played a wide shot outside the box but was saved by Wake Akeju. 

Five minutes into the second half, Kehinde Olajuyin triple the lead by looping the ball ahead of Ogungbade Akintomiwa. Kehinde got the ball due to the sloppy pass from Galacticos defender but was intercepted by the forward to seal the victory for united.

Temitayo Ajayi who was impressive with attacks in the match missed a clear chance with the goalkeeper, Wale Akeju. Temitayo’s chance was a through ball that went past the Ekiti United defenders but was wasted when the goalkeeper spontaneously salvaged the attempt before Tayo could think of its usage.

Taiwo Oripelaiye, who scored his debut goal for Ekiti United on Monday, said he is happy to see his former teammates after a while. Oripelaiye, who had a spell for the Shooting Stars for a couple of years, joined Ekiti United during the mid-transfer window.

To Samson Omiponle, Ekiti United coach, the match was fair and okay. The gaffer went further to state that, the goal of the club is to represent the state well. According to Omiponle, “What we need is the motivation I have boys who are ready to play.”

Babajide Coupon, the gaffer of EKSU Galacticos said his side did well for reaching the finals. He went further that the team redress issues that led to defeat and work earnestly on it.