Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
A goal in each half from Ekeson Okorie on 45 minute and 65 minute gave host Bayelsa United a 2-0 victory over stubborn Doma United of Gombe in Matchday 22 fixtures of Nigeria Premier Football League decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Okorie put the Prosperity Boys ahead on few minutes to the end of the first half from a spot when Auwala Abubakar brought down the enterprising Ekeson Okorie in the danger zone as he stepped forward to send Doma United goaltender Abdullah Zalli who had earlier made important saves for the Savannah Tigers the wrong way.
Bayelsa United coach Meremu Okara made four changes from the starting eleven that defeated Akwa United at the Eket Stadium on Sunday, Hassan Oladimeji, Tekena Garando, Isreal Consul and Abdulrahman Muniru who was making his start of the season since he joined the Prosperity Boys in mid-season.
Energetic Tarabina Biweribo continued to enjoy his new role as a central defender alongside Yinusa Sheriff and Oginni Olatunbosun in the heart of the defence to stretch their unbeaten run to five league games.
The Prosperity Boys took the game to their visitors but the stubborn Gombe based NPFL side kept their cool at the back having lost 0 -1 to Rangers Int’l at home over the weekend but the host twice came close through Abdulrahman Muniru and Isreal Consul but their efforts were abbreviated by Abdullah Zalli Doma United goalkeeper.
Doma United on resumption almost leveled terms from Samuel Enefiok close range shot as his shot was beautifully saved by Elkanah Godgift Bayelsa United shot stopper who has three clean sheets in his credit in last three games.
Ekeson Okorie continued to mesmerize Doma United midfield penetrating the visitors back line as his effort almost paid off on 54 minute, Abdulrahman Muniru on 65 minute almost made 2-0 but his range shot was saved by Doma United goalkeeper as Okorie perfectly found himself in the eighteen yard box to slot in Muniru’s rebounded effort to secure the insurance goal.
The Savannah Tigers on 85 almost reduced the deficit but the Prosperity Boys would have to thank their goalkeeper Elkanah Godgift for his heroics and the brilliance of Yinusa Sheriff and Tarabina Bweribo in defence.
Bayelsa United will next face Remo Stars in Ikenne on Saturday at the Remo stadium while Doma United will battle Sporting of Lagos at the Pantami Stadium.
Bayelsa United coach Meremu Okara in a post match interview, said his side gave their best to secure all three points against their opponent Doma United, stating that their attention has now been shifted to Remo Stars.
Akinade Onigbinde in his reaction attributed the defeat to his team’s profligacy in front of goal, pointing out that the absence of some key players was the reason behind their poor results lately.
