Vandrezzer football club secured a curial away point against Delta Force in their opening day fixture of the Nigerian National League (NNL) 2020/2021 season despite being reduced to 10 men.
Delta Force started strongly with attackers Ekeme Osigwe hitting the upright and Emmnuel Ehizuo firing inches wide, both inside the first quarter of the game.
It took the brilliance of VFC goalkeeper Emeka Nwakamma and the defence prowess of the VFC back four, including a goal line clearance by Ekerete Udom, to see off some other onslaughts in the first half where the home side dominated.
The second half was much different as VFC came pressing, winning corner kicks and free kicks, one of which could’ve resulted in a goal from Ivo Júnior, but for the alertness of the Delta Force shot-stopper Henry Ani.
Both teams came close to scoring in the final quarter of the game as both goalkeepers were made to work, especially VFC’s Nwakamma whose first half knock troubled him all through the game. The new VFC signing continued with a slight shoulder injury which saw him attended to on several occasions.
There was a late drama as midfielder Anietie Uko was shown a second yellow and a red card in the 90th minutes following a light clash with substitute Hassan Bakare as both players challenged for the ball.
Despite the fourth official displying two additional minutes, centre referee James Kalu went on to add another thirteen extra minutes, before ending the tie.
The Lions take the away point into their first home fixture of the season against Nilayo FC of Abeokuta at the Soccer Temple Agege, on February 20, 2021.
