Thanks to goal from Promise Awosanmi, former Super Eagles coach Finidi George watched in disbelief as his Rivers United side was held to a 1-1 draw by Sunshine Stars during their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter.
The match, played on Wednesday at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, was set to be another victory for George’s team—until Promise Awosanmi’s brilliant header dashed their hopes, footballrover reports.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder proved to be the thorn in Rivers United’s side, scoring a stunning equaliser that left the former Super Eagles coach visibly frustrated.
His header, a moment of individual brilliance, cancelled out Timothy Zachariah’s opening goal, ensuring both teams shared the spoils.
Speaking after the NPFL matchday 14, Finidi said,
“I think it was a very good game. They played to win; we also played to win. First half, we had a couple of chances we should have taken. If we had scored, I think the game would have been different.
Football being what it is, we didn’t take these chances, and later we got that goal and tried to hold on to it.
That free kick, we should have done better. The player got a free header, which is not supposed to be like that, but you have to give them credit also; they fought; they tried to get an equaliser.
A draw—is it what we expected looking at the game? No! I was expecting that we would have gotten at least a second goal, so that would have given us an edge. Even if they had that goal they scored, it would have been 2-1 that ended the game, but that didn’t happen.”
Promise Awosanmi’s growing influence in the NPFL
Sunshine Stars, who had been struggling for consistency, will take the draw as a moral victory, especially after Awosanmi’s crucial role.
With this performance, Promise Awosanmi continues to shine as one of the standout young players in the NPFL.
The Super Eagles B team invitee has now registered three goals and one assist in 10 appearances this season.
Despite Sunshine Stars’ challenges, including their failure to secure maximum points at home on three occasions this season, the club can take pride in their young star.
The 1-1 draw leaves the Akure Gunners in 14th place with just 10 points as they prepare for their next match against Katsina United.
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