NNL; Coach Allen Hails Gateway FC 3-2 Win Against First Bank

Head Coach of Gateway United Football Club, Festus Allen has expressed delight at his side’s 3-2 home win against hard-fighting  First Bank of Lagos over the weekend in the second tier Nigeria National League week 17 encounter played at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode 

The Coach Allen in a statement by the team's Media Officer, Mayokun Moses Ojewumi, described the match as an  absorbing and pulsating game which saw his boys putting all efforts to secure the needed maximum three points 

“It was definitely an absorbing and pulsating game. The boys gave their all, as always. We’re thrilled to have secured the maximum points—it's a testament to the hard work we’re putting in. It keeps getting better, and we’ll continue to take it one game at a time"

"I want to sincerely thank our supporters for their unwavering faith in us. We won’t let them down, he assured fans 

Mubaraq AbdulHammeed had emerged the hero in the match which saw his side, Gateway United edging past the visiting First Bank FC 3-2 in the pulsating NNL 2024/2025 Matchday 17 encounter at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.

Gateway United took the lead in the 26th minute through a moment of brilliance from Emmanuel Wilson, who curled a superb free kick into the bottom-right corner.

 The pressure continued as Aleloju Seyi's teasing cross in the 40th minute nearly forced an own goal from the visitors.

The hosts doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. In the 49th minute, Rasaq AbdulHammeed linked up smartly with Olanese Saburi, who made no mistake finishing from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

First Bank FC, however, mounted a spirited comeback. In the 63rd minute, Wilson Emmanuel inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear. 

Just five minutes later, Wasiu Ganiyu levelled the score with a composed finish after receiving a perfectly weighted pass.

But it was Mubaraq AbdulHammeed who had the final say, rising highest in the 89th minute to head home the winner, sealing a crucial victory for Gateway United.

Gateway United will be traveling to Awka for a Matchday 18 fixture against Solution FC on Saturday, 17th May, 2025.