Green Lock FC made a winning start to their training tour in Antalya, Turkey with a deserved 3 – 2 win over the under 17 side of their hosts, Antalyaspor AS on Tuesday, inspired by their midfield marshals of Opeyemi Falade and tour captain, Damilola Adeyeye, anchored by Kano boy, Ibrahim Ashiru.
Midfield trio of Opeyemi Falade, Damilola Adeyeye and Ibrahim Ashiru (L-R)
The team had started slow but got into their groove about a quarter of an hour into the game as skipper Adeyeye led by example, rallying the team with his increased energy, taking on the opposition, charging at goal and vocal encouragement of his teammates. Damilola Adeyeye was a member of the Nigeria National U-16 team that was in Japan far back in 2019.
Damilola Adeyeye in action
With an assured Ashiru doing the defensive work in the center, Falade playing in the right side of the midfield resurrected his recent energetic form which led to the first couple of attempts at goal. This paid off in the 35th minute, when Theophilus Babas curled in the opener into the far right top corner.
Antalyaspor AS U17 team got an equalizer just before the halftime following a loss in concentration in the defence. But, the lead was restored a minute into the second period when Opeyemi Falade collected a loose ball on the edge of the Antalyaspor AS box, danced through the three man defense with his quick feet and calmly slots the ball into the near post.
Opeyemi Falade against Antalyaspor U17
Edwin Onazi increased the tally in the 70th minute, tapping the ball into the back of the net after a good work from Usman Mustapha on the right flank. Antalyaspor AS U17 pulled one back from the penalty spot against the run of play.
There was more onslaught at goal led by Damilola Adeyeye and Opeyemi Falade but was repelled by the brilliance of substitute Antalyaspor goalkeeper. Later today, Green Lock FC will take on the Antalyaspor AS U19 team by 5pm local time at the same venue.
