Papilo FC of Owerri were too strong and very hot to handle by Bida Lions as they devoured the Lions 2-1 in their opening game in group b of the on- going Bet9ja NLO Super 8.
Kingsley Edwin put Papilo FC in the lead from a poweful strike outside the box in the 12 miutes, but the lead did not jolt Bida Lions as they stuck to their game to soak the pressure from the Papilo FC and as the game progresses they were able to start asserting their authority in the midfield as they searched for equaliser , which eventually came in the 36th minute through a penalty after Saheed Sulaiman was hacked down in the box and the resultant penalty was converted by Hamza Sanni.
The game stood at 1-1 at the end of first half, but the second half totally belonged to Papilo FC as they were in complete control of the proceedings and it was too long that led again through a goal from Njoku Uchenna who slotted home with a cool finish.
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The wounded lions from Bida tried to claw their back into the game to earn a draw, but they had a problem connecting in the final third as the game ended with Papilo FC caging Bida Lions 2-1 .
At a post match, the coach of Bida Lions Adamu Gambo said that it was very sad to lose the keenly contested affair to Papilo Fc, but all hope is not lost yet in tbe tournament.
” It was a very painful and sad loss. This is our first game and we hope to bounce back in our next game against My People FC” We must work very hard and improve in our next game to win” Gambo said.
But it was all smiles for Ozoho Obinna , the chief coach of Papilo FC who informed that he was very satisfied with the quality of football that his players that earned the three points against their counterparts from Bida.
” We are pleased and happy with the outcome of the game. We won , but that does not take away the fact that Bida Lions are equally a very good team” he said.
Bida Lions FC will hope to bounce back as they play My People FC of Lagos this Wednesday at the on- going Bet9ja Nationwide League One Super 8 at the Agege Township Stadium.
