NNL Gist: TEAP FC pick-up another pre-season win, team gaffer calls for focus

Nigeria National League side, TEAP FC picked up another pre-season win against Virgin Kids Academy at Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja, through a late penalty by Austin Oladapo.

The 92nd minute goal was nothing short of what TEAP FC deserved after putting in a herculean effort in a game of high intensity.

TEAP enjoyed a blistering first period where they dominated, and almost took the lead, after a quickly taken free-kick from Sunny David was wasted by one of the trialists.

Indeed, TEAP had many chances to score, but poor finishing let them down. Abubakar, a menace at left-wing, whipped in some dangerous crosses.

The RCCG side were to be denied by the woodwork, with one of the
trialists almost scoring the opener. TEAP FC coach, Malomo-Paris made several changes from the side that drew on Thursday with some experienced players like Samuel Adeyi, Sunny David starting.

TEAP reverted to a 4-1-2-3 formation with Abubakar operating on the wing with Samuel Adeyi starting the game at centre-back.

Virgin Kids Academy took the lead 12 minutes into the second half when one of their attackers beat the offside trap to slam home from close range.

In a frantic effort Malomo introduced team skipper Ikechukwu Uzor, Fred Evans, Austin Oladapo and the pacy Metu to add more bite to the blunt attack.

Malomo’s men were backed by up to 400 raucous Youth Corp members and they erupted into euphoria when the net bulged. The impressive Austin who scored 5 goals in the 2012/2013 NNL season whipped in a right wing corner kick, Samuel Adeyi masterfully headed past the helpless Kids' goalie.

The goal galvanized the home side who hassled and harried Kids who were restricted to few shots at goal. After 84 minutes, a curling free kick from Fred was met by Metu who
forced the opposing goalkeeper into action.

TEAP then had the an appeal for penalty dismissed, after the sharp Metu was brought down in the 18-yard box. However, they were rewarded, as an intelligent pass from Ikechukwu was
met by the all action Metu, who bulldozed his way past two Kids' defenders, before being brought down for a well deserved penalty kick. Austin stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

The home side looked composed on the ball, with a number of ‘TEAP players impressing. Ikechukwu, Sunny and Austin helped marshal the midfield with Abubakar and Metu also working tirelessly on the flank.

Donald Malomo-Paris has acknowledged the progress made by his boys in the tune-up games, but says ‘there is still room for improvement’.

“I think it is time for us to be dedicated, discipline, focused and ruthless. Mainly because the we would be faced with high tempo games,”

“Our teams work in a competitive spirit, there is a strong concept of the group, we have to be at a high level if we want to win crucial games in the coming season.

“This will be a tough season game, where the most accurate and most focused team will earn the bragging rights. We would like to take the initiative, and always push forward. We will have to defend together, show great attitude and be very clear with our intentions, about how to play in the Nigeria National League. The last two games we have experienced highs and lows and know that
we have to play until the referee’s whistle at the end, ” he said.