Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
A 25th-minute goal by Adah Nnele saw SKE start the 2021 Nationwide League One NLO Zonal Division 1 Playoff on a losing note.
Five players were given their debut in the NLO in a strong selection by Coach Ifeanyi Nwachukwu – Patrick Osuagwu, Chukwurah Nnabuife, Prince Ovunda, Manfred Ngerebo and Salami Damilola
Cofine FC started brightly but SKE quickly imposed itself in the game but poor finishing deprived the Port Harcourt side of taking advantage.
Cofine capitalized on the 25th minute when poor defending by Kimi Jeremiah saw Solomon Akpan crosses the ball for Adah Nnele to put his side in the lead.
John Bomadi produced two world-class saves as Cofine FC sought to extend their lead in the game. The first was a superb one-handed save and the second saw him save smartly after good work by the Cofine players.
Coach Nwachukwu introduced Ikechukwu Onuoha, Bello Mohammed, and Tamuno Emmanuel as he searched for the equalizer but the Cofine defense stood tall to repel all SKE attacks.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Coach Nwachukwu said no hope is lost even though his side lost the first game and in subsequent games, they will get the needed results.
“It was a good game despite the defeat. The two teams played very well. It’s football and in the game of football somebody must lose or win and we lost today. We have identified our mistakes and we will get back in our next game.”
SKE FC will take on Cynosure FC in the next game at the University of Calabar Sports Complex at 4:00 pm.
SKE FC Team List:
John Bomadi, Zedi Omokhodion, Samuel Monday, Ebere Akaka, Nelson Eruteyan, Manfred Ngerebor, Salami Damilola (Tamuno Emmanuel) Prince Ovunda (Ikechukwu Onuoha) Kimi Jeremiah (Bello Mohammed)
Unused substitutions: Ikechi Chuku, Kelvin Achedume, Jumbo Joseph, Sunday Iboro.
