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Abiodun Adewale
Madiba FC have been crowned champions of the 2021/22 Nationwide League One season, after they pipped Mailantarki Care FC by a lone goal in the Super 8 final in Lagos on Saturday.
The Oshodi-based team, who ended the regular season unbeaten, lived up to the hype as they went on without losing a game in the champion of champions play-offs at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos.
Their attacking play was rewarded with a goal in the 28th minute, after Rabiu Nurudeen beat the offside trap to chip the ball beyond Edward Ameh, in goal for Mailantarki Care.
Mailantarki could have levelled scores before heading to the break, but Madiba FC had Mohammed Tijani to thank, as he showed class in goal, after he made a brilliant save to deny the boys from the FCT.
And 1-0 it was, as Madiba went into the break relieved, while Mailantarki Care were left to rue their poor defending.
It was a one-sided second half as the last half an hour of the game was between Madiba FC and Ameh, who made countless saves to keep the scoreline decent for Mailantarki.
Mailantarki’s desperate search for the equaliser proved too little too late, despite five minutes of added time, as Madiba held their nerves to emerge champions.