A wrong penalty decision by the referee gifted Osun United a one-nil win over Vandrezzer FC at the Obafemi Awolowo University stadium in Ile-Ife on Saturday. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Coach Makinwa made two changes to the starting XI from the home draw against Abeokuta Stormers, with Samuel Edoho returning after an injury lay-off to replace David Edet, while Somtochukwu Abraham started ahead of Olalekan Abdulsalam. Golden Udoh Inyang also made his second consecutive start for VFC.

The match started about fifteen minutes late, following a misunderstanding between the home team and the stadium management. 

The issue was later resolved and the first half came alive by 16:15 with VFC showing intent from the blast of referee Jimoh Hammed’s whistle to the end of the goalless first half, through lovely runs from Gideon Monday, Isaac Saviour, Olalekan. 

The central defense paring of Bassey Odiong and Owolabi Ibrahim were solid at the back, warding off tricky onslaughts from the home side, which also forced few saves from goalkeeper Obinna Akuchie. 

All the while in the first half, officiating seemed fair for both sides, but as the teams resumed for the second half, the referee acted differently. One clear inkling of the inappropriate decision not to award a spot kick to VFC after Oloye Felix received a deliberate punch in the head from Osun United’s Abiola in the 68th minute, right in the home side’s penalty area. 

On the other hand, a dubious penalty was eventually awarded to the home side after VFC central defender Owolabi visibly cleared the ball with his leg out of the Lions’ 18 yard box. Referee Jimoh erroneously pointed to the spot, much to the amazement of the VFC bench and supporters, for a spot kick which put Osun one nil up by the 78th minute. 

The Lion's fought hard to equalize, but almost every move was thwarted by referee who played along with the time-wasting antics of the home side, to eventually aid them to win by the penalty goal. 

“I weep for Nigerian football. Right now i don't even know what to say, the referee frustrated the boys after all the effort they put. Now we are suffering in the league because of the sheer wickedness of and conspiracy between officials and corrupt team”

“I can't be working so hard to achieve my aim and a referee will come take bribe to ruin my efforts” said an infuriated VFC coach Henry Makinwa.  

WHAT NEXT

The Lions continue on the rugged road with a home fixture versus second placed Gateway United FC on Matchday 20 this Friday.

Follow build-up to the game and other updates on our various media platforms. 

Vandrezzer FC...VICTORIOUS TOGETHER