Sharks FC’s Obomate cherishes equaliser

Sharks football club pulled one of the greatest come back in the history of the Glo-NPFL after coming from 1-3 down against sunshine to draw level at the Akure sports complex.

Sharks went ahead in the 23rd minute through Ifeanyi Inyiam who jabbed in a Christain Pyagbara’s cross after outpacing Ivorian Angolar import in Sunshines’ backline.

The homers drew level in the 37th minute through Alex Oghogho who scored from the spot after a ball handling situation in the box and from the moments on Sunshine dominated possession playing most of the game in Sharks half and even have themselves to blame for not increasing the tally when Adeniyi and Dayo Ojo had only the goal keeper to beat.

The first half ended goalless and four minutes into the second half the homers got another penalty after Michael Ezekiel pushed Olorundare to gained advantage in the box and the resultant spot kick was clinically converted by Alex Oghogho and before Sharks could come to terms after the second goal was scored Alaba Adeniyi capitalized on a defensive mix up to head home the third goal for Sunshine stars in the 52nd minute.

In the 53rd minute Coach Ogunbote brought in Nasiru Hussaain for Kelly Kester to fortify the midfield immediately sunshine got their third goal and when it looked like the sun will continue to shine on the score board of Sunshine stars Chima Akas blasted home Sharks second goal in the 65TH minute to give the league leaders a life line.

Hussain fondly called Zizou when he was with sunshine few years ago actually brought some stability to Sharks midfield, providing cover for Joseph Nathaniel and Fredrick Obomate whose screamer in the 73rd minute zoom past Ayalogu Godwin for Sharks equalizer.

Muyiwa Lawal had a glorious chance to put Sunshine back in the lead eight minutes from time but the heavily built attacker went blank in front of goal paving way for a quick counter which almost paid off for Sharks.

Sunshine stars will have their keeper to thank for saving Pyagbara’s angle shot in the 88th minute which would have sealed the game for the visitors.

though disappointed that the man ended 3-3,the match will certainly be in the memory of fans that came to the stadium because they were entertained with a basket full of goals.

Scorer of Sharks Equalizer and man of the moment Fredrick Obomate described the goal as the best goal he has ever scored since he started playing football.

“I just told myself if I can to the ball before the defender and shoot I will score Obomate said

“the goal is the best I have ever scored and I will cherish it for a long time to come and it has shown that my team has character “.

The diminutive midfielder is confident of winning at home against Rangers next Wednesday if they replicate same commitment and resilience displayed against Sunshine stars.

“such performance can only come from a side with some level of consistency and am very sure if we do the same against Rangers on Wednesday why won’t we win and win convincingly”He added

Sharks-management congratulate coach Ogunbote and Pyagbara

Management of Sharks fc has congratulated the duo of Gbenga Ogunbote and Christain Pyagbara for winning the League Bloggers Awards LBA for manager and player respectively for the month of April.

General Manager of Sharks fc Okey Kpaluku who sent the congratulatory message onbehalf of the management of the club from Kenya described the award as timely and well deserved by the coach and player.

Kpaluku added that the award will go a long way to motivate the team to break more ground this season and consolidate on its good run so far in the league by not dropping point at home and picking valuable point on the road.

“Let me congratulate you on the award which did not come to us as a surprise because you truly worked for it and am sure this honour will spur you (coach and players) to do more in the field of play”.Kpaluku said

Responding to the award, technical adviser of the club and coach of the month of April Gbenga Ogunbote who was excited with the award commended the League Bloggers Awards for recognizing the input of coaches on the growth of the game in the local scene.

He however attributed the award to the entire team and used the opportunity to call on the teeming fans of Sharks fc to come out in their numbers and support the team to victory against Giwa fc tomorrow(Wednesday) stressing that the ugly incident after the match against Enyimba fc will not repeat itself again.

“Ah am very happy with this award, it goes to show that somebody somewhere appreciates what we coaches are doing in our team’ and I commend the initiators of this award for doing a great job “.Ogunbote said

And player of the month of April Christain Pyagbara who expressed shock after he was singled out of the lots in the elite league for the award assured fans of the team that the award will ginger him to channel his energy into achieving the ambitions of the team this season.

“ I was shocked when I got wind of the award for the month of April and the much I can do now is do the best I can to ensure that Sharks fc wins a major silverware this season”.Pyagbara said

Gbenga Ogunbote nicked the manager’s award by edging out Kelechi Emeteole of Heartland, Salisu Yusuf of El-Kanemi Warriors and Paul Aigbogun of Warri Wolves, who were also shortlisted for the monthly award.

Ogunbote was honoured for guiding Sharks to the top spot of the league table and also masterminded their away win at Kaduna United while they went unbeaten in five matches from Match Day 7 to 11.

In the players category Pyagbara beat Saibou Badarou of Heartland, Osaguona Ighodaro of Enugu Rangers, Gbolahan Salami of Warri Wolves, Emem Eduok of Dolphins, Nnamso Edo of Akwa United and his teammate and goalkeeper, Danladi Isah to emerge winner.

Pyagbara in the month under review scored three goals in the Glo Premier League including two in the road trip victory at Kaduna United and one against Nasarawa United and also played a vital role in the team’s overall performance in April.