What started as a friendly match meant to test team readiness for the 2024/2025 Nationwide League One turned sour for Best Talent FC of Mowe, as they lost 3-2 to Tripple 44 Football Academy in Ibadan. The encounter was overshadowed by controversial officiating that saw the visitors reduced to nine men, leaving fans and officials alike questioning the neutrality of the referees.
The match began with high intensity as both teams showcased impressive energy and tactics. Tripple 44 struck first with a 10th-minute goal, but Best Talent responded through Salaudeen’s 39th-minute equalizer. The first half ended at 1-1, setting the stage for a dramatic second half marred by controversial decisions.
Two Best Talent players, Adekunle and Adeoti, were shown dubious red cards, tipping the balance in favor of Tripple 44, who capitalized on their numerical advantage to score two quick goals. Despite being down to nine players, Best Talent exhibited resilience, clawing back a late goal to narrow the deficit. Tripple 44 also had a player sent off at the 85th minute, but the damage had already been done.
Speaking after the match, Best Talent coach Yusuf Farouk expressed his disappointment with the officiating, which he described as biased. “It’s unfortunate that a friendly match turned into this. The referees didn’t allow the game to flow, and it hindered our ability to properly assess the players,” Farouk said.
He also addressed the absence of his top striker, Isaacs Basuaye, and praised the efforts of a new player who showed promise despite the challenges. “Our striker was unavailable today, but I’m confident the new lad will improve with time,” he added.
The match highlighted the need for fair officiating in local football and underscored the resilience of Best Talent FC, who will look to build on the lessons learned ahead of the new season.
