NLO 1 debutant, Coal City United FC are through to the Nigeria National League (NNL) only at the first time of asking after they defeated Leopards FC 3-2 in the promotion playoff played on Friday at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Coal City were trailing 2-1 at half time before they turned the heat on their opponents in the second half. Emeka Soronnadi, Valentine Ogbodo and Joel Odoh scored the goals for Coal City who will play in the NNL barely three months after their formation.
The brain behind the club and former Super Eagles midfielder, Ifeanyi Ekwueme praised the club’s financier, Honourable Chukwuemelie Agu who is the Managing Director, Enugu State Housing Corporation for his moral and financial support.
He also thanked the players, coaches and management staff of Coal City FC for the sacrifices and effort put in to ensure that the objective of qualifying for the NNL is achieved.
“It was a brilliant effort from everyone right from Honourable Chukwuemelie Agu who shared in my dream and vision for the club. He believed in it and his impact and a few others that supported the team have helped us to get to where we are,” Ekwueme told dasportstainment247.com.
“The players, coaches and the management staff have also been wonderful. We have qualified for the NNL and it is just the start of a magnificent journey for us. We need the support of all.”
In the other NLO 1 promotional playoff decided, Osun United thrashed 3SC B 3-0 in a one centred game played in Ikenne.
The trio of Gabriel Godspower, Babatunde Sodiq and Ilesanmi Solomon got the goals for the former NPFL side.
With the result,Osun United are back in the NNL again.
Rahbam FC beat Zaki Mairiga 3-1 to increase Plateau State teams in the NNL.
The Kings were pipped 1-0 by Niger State’s Maikunlele FC while Jedo FC defeated Kano Stars in Kaduna by a lone goal also.
