The Ibadan derby ended in a goalless draw as the two teams failed to find the back of the net in a tensed encounter
UI Pioneers and LCU Gladiators settled for a 0-0 draw in the matchday two of the Higher Institutions Football League group stage in Ibadan.
Wednesday’s fixture at the University of Ibadan Sports Centre turned out to be a cagey affair and a physical battle as both teams struggled to break the deadlock.
The Pioneers dominated the opening minutes of the encounter and had the better possession but the Gladiators were resolute in their defensive approach.
The first 45 minutes was a battle of the midfield and the two teams had no clear chances in front of goal, with the Gladiators’ defenders showing their defensive prowess to neutralise the Pioneers’ push for an opener.
Former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju @MutiuAdepoju8 pictured with @UIPioneers player, Segun Oyeshina before the match against @LCUGladiators which ended in a goalless draw. #IbadanDerby #HiFL2019 @HiFLNigeria #UIvsLCU pic.twitter.com/SHEUQWpKK5
— UI Pioneers (@UIPioneers) July 10, 2019
After the restart, Moshood Dayo and Akinola Oluwanisola continued their fine displays in the heart of the Gladiators’ defence to stop UI’s attacking play, orchestrated by Abiodun Adegbite in the wings.
The visitors had their chances and showed how dangerous they are when Olubodun Odunayo’s free-kick was brilliantly parried away by goalkeeper Alao Oladipupo.
Moments later, the Gladiators took advantage of a counter attack and nearly broke the deadlock, only for an on-rushing Oladipupo to save Odunayo’s effort at the edge of the penalty area.
Towards the end of the 90 minutes, UI Pioneers had chances bury the game but they lacked the goal-scoring touch to put the ball in the back of the net.
The brightest chance in the last 10 minutes came when UI second-half substitute Adams Ofedojo benefitted from a defensive blunder but he blasted his shot wide off the post.
MOTM Award goes to @LCUGladiators No. 8, Olubodun Joy Odunayo and it’s presented by Former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju
FT: @UIPioneers 0 – 0 @LCUGladiators #IbadanDerby #UIvsLCU @HiFLNigeria #HiFL2019 pic.twitter.com/WeBa4QAFnE
— UI Pioneers (@UIPioneers) July 10, 2019
At the end of the game, Lead City Gladiators forward Odunayo was named the Man Of the Match and was presented his prize by former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju.
The result leaves UI Pioneers with two points after two games while the Gladiators earned their first point to sit third.
LASU Blazers, group leaders with six points after two games, will face UI Pioneers for their final group match on Thursday while Lead City Gladiators will battle for ABUAD Stars in search of their first win.
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