Rock City boys defeat Crown FC in Ogbomoso in NNL Opener

Gateway United started the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the Soun Township Stadium in Ogbomoso and defeated Crown FC at home.

Pulse Sports reports that Ogun State retained the Ogun Federation Cup (FA) after defeating Beyond Limits in the final at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode.

Pulse Sports reports that Gateway United and Beyond Limits will represent the state at the national final.

Haruna Salifu's lone goal in the 34th minute was what Gateway United needed to defeat Crown FC at home.

Sunkanmi Odusina drove to the hosts' area at the sound of the whistle, giving the visitors an explosive start, but his attempt flew over the bar. The hosts quickly threatened with a weak effort that Araromi Ibukun blocked.

In the sixth minute, Ibukun Araromi was required to make another stop by deflecting a fierce free-kick from Babatunde Damilare.

Gateway United made a valiant effort to retake the lead twice. Odusina Sunkanmi nearly scored on his own after a great drive into the hosts' box, but his low-angle strike narrowly missed the mark.

Omolaoye Abiodun came close to scoring with a header that was headed for the bottom corner, but Adeniyi Adejare parried it to the corner.

Thanks to tenacious defense and courageous goalkeeping by Araromi Ibukun, who was subsequently named Man of the Match, Gateway United was able to hold their goal advantage.

Gateway United's head coach, Toyin Ayinla, has said that the team is focusing on their next game after beating Crown FC.

"What a game. The boys played their socks off. They followed our instructions to the letter. It's a great start. We will take it from here. We are basking in the euphoria, no doubt, but we won't overdo it. Our first home game is against Ijebu United on Saturday, and that's now our focus," coach Toyin Ayinla commented.

Gateway United will host Ijebu United at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode on Saturday in their NNL Matchday two encounter.