…STAKEHOLDERS HAIL TEAM SPIRIT AND DISCIPLINE
Araba Football Club, one of the most promising sides in the Nationwide League One (NLO), delivered a thrilling performance on Wednesday, April 23rd, in a gripping encounter against Kasam FA. In what began as a challenging game for the Ilorin-based side, Araba FC came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw—an outcome that sent waves of excitement through fans, supporters, and stakeholders alike.
The opening half of the game saw Araba FC concede a goal, largely attributed to the inexperience of their goalkeeper, Lateef, who was making his debut in a major tournament. Despite the early setback, the team showed resilience and character, ultimately earning a well-deserved point.
Reverend Muyiwa, a prominent stakeholder and avid supporter of the team, captured the essence of the second-half performance. “There was cohesion, purpose, and a sense of direction. The team came in hot,” he said. His words echoed the sentiments of fans who witnessed a renewed Araba FC side that displayed hunger and unity on the pitch.
A key moment in the turnaround came with the introduction of seasoned forward Isiak Olawale, whose experience and composure under pressure proved invaluable. Olawale found the back of the net twice, leveling the scores and restoring belief in the Araba camp. Speaking after the game, Olawale described the match as “a good game, albeit tough,” urging fans to keep their support strong. “We’ll continue to make them proud,” he assured.
Team manager, Femi Oki, a former Nigerian international, lauded his team’s fighting spirit. “This is a side we had previously beaten 2-0 in a friendly match,” he said, reflecting on past encounters. “Our goalkeeper Lateef is young and new to this level. That inexperience showed, but we made tactical changes just in time, leveraging the collective experience of the squad to salvage the draw.”
Manager Oki emphasized that the team would be returning to the drawing board to refine their strategies. He also expressed appreciation to the Nationwide League One (NLO), the management, and the Kwara State Sports Board for their continued support and excellent league organization. “Kudos to the NLO and everyone making this platform thrive,” he stated.
He didn’t fail to spotlight the influence of the club’s leadership. “Our CEO is a disciplinarian, a lover of good values, and someone who understands the importance of grit and hard work. These values have become the DNA of Araba FC,” Oki said. “We are proud to be a fully branded team, and we are thankful for the guidance and investment from our CEO. We pray for continued success.”
With this performance, Araba FC continues to strengthen its reputation not only as a competitive team on the field but as a symbol of discipline, ambition, and community pride. Fans now eagerly await the next fixture, hopeful for another display of courage and unity from the rising football side.
