A goal in each half from John John secured a comfortable 2-0 win for Kogi United against Mighty Jets of Jos in the Matchday 19 of Bet9ja Nigeria National League clash in Lokoja on Saturday.
Mighty Jets goalkeeper, Rutjuwe Gobum, had earlier saved Abubakar Tenimu’s penalty in the fourth minute of the game after Nkenji Cletus brought down Emeka Iwuji in the box.
The hosts would then get their opening goal soon after as John tucked in a low cross from Ibrahim Mustapha in the 18th minute.
Mighty Jets settled into the game after the goal, but weren’t lucky to get an equalizer as the likes of William Agada and Musa Musa failed to arrive early for Rutshak John’s deliveries.
Kogi United took charge of closing stages of the first half with brilliant moves orchestrated by Mustapha on two occasions, but John Jerome and Eghe Osas blew the chances for United.
The second half of the game was almost for the hosts who went out in search of another goal to seal the win with series of scoring chances, but Gobum and his defenders were on hand to rescue situations for Jets, coupled with Kogi united attackers’ profligacies in the final third.
But the hosts would soon get their second goal in the 59th minute when Mustapha teed Muye on the flank for a cut back pass, which was dispatched into the net by John John.
Kogi United however took control of the game with near perfect dominance to force their visitors into defending and almost got the third goal as Charles Okafor almost directed Victor Tale’s delivery into his own net.
The last 15 minutes of the game was cagey as both sides couldn’t make any clear cut chance and had to employ long ball tactics due to heavy downpour till the end.
John John, who was excited about getting the goals and the victory for Kogi United, said the performance had really proved the Confluence State club have got their confidence back, just as he promised more goals to push his side to successful ending of the league.
He said: “I’m really happy for the victory.
“It means a lot to all of us in the team.
“It’s a proof that we’ve got our rhythm back and this will give us the belief and confidence to do more and give our best till the end of the season.
“For my goals, I’m grateful to God and my teammates for the support.
“This is why I’m here.
“I hope to score more for the team that will give us more good results till the end.”
Kogi United, with 23 points from 19 league games, will next travel to Ilorin to face Kwara United, while Mighty Jets will be at home to Kaduna United in next fixture.
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