By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja – Kogi United Football Club of Lokoja on Saturday in Lokoja beat visiting Jigawa Golden Stars of Hadeija in a Match Day Four fixture of the 2016/2017 Nigeria National League (NNL).
Jigawa Stars started impressively and took a 21st minute lead after a shot by Abba Umar which Rahaqqu Adamu calmly finished with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty box.
The visiting team almost doubled their lead from another counter-attack in the 31st minute, when Umar utilised height advantage against Stephen Musa but his volley went inches off target.
All efforts by the hosts to level the scoreline proved abortive as Jigawa’s rear guard were at their best and thwarted the hosts’ moves.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the game’s tone changed immediately in the second half when United brought in Mathew Idoko for Ismail Mayaki.
The creative winger set up a 56th minute equaliser for Michael Bolaji who dribbled past three markers before founding the back of the net.
Kogi United grew in confidence with a quick response and went all out in search of the winner as Jigawa Stars looked contented with a point, falling back deep into their half.
A spectacular strike from Wilson Tony saw Kogi United completing a remarkable comeback 2-1 victory in the 75th minute of the game.
Reacting on his side’s comeback victory, Kogi United’s coach Tunde Abdulrahman commended his boys for their attitude and focus which earned him a winning start to his new assignment.
“We are happy with this victory. It is for all those who believe in us, that we can turn things around though it was not an easy task.
“I am optimistic that we will get good results in our subsequent games, which will give us a better chance to move closer to our target,” he said.
NAN reports that Kogi United would be on road in their next two fixtures against Kaduna United and Yobe Desert Stars.