By Femi Atolagbe
Jackson Adeyemi netted the first hat-trick of the 3rd edition of the Adu Unity Football Competition as Akure United thrashed Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Football Club (NSCDC FC) 5–1 at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
Adeyemi opened the scoring in the 12th minute and doubled the lead two minutes later with a fine finish, giving Akure United an early 2–0 advantage. NSCDC FC’s Philips Malolo pulled one back shortly before halftime to make it 2–1 at the break.
Upon resumption, Akure United returned with intent, pressing high and dominating possession. Their strategy paid off when Adeyemi completed his hat-trick in the 50th minute.
Angelo Aderibigbe and Omoduni Sunday added a goal each to seal a comprehensive 5–1 victory for Akure United.
Meanwhile, in the second match of Matchday Two, 10-man SGIC FC came from behind to earn a 1–1 draw against Saint FC.
Omotoso Olakitan had earlier put Saint FC ahead with a well-taken goal that unsettled SGIC FC, leading to the dismissal of Oyedele Johnson after he received a second yellow card. The first half ended 1–0 in favour of the dominant Saint FC.
Despite being a man down, SGIC FC reorganised with a solid three-man defense in the second half and took control of the game. Their persistence paid off when Omoyeni Odunayo leveled the score with a fine effort.
SGIC continued to press and were later awarded a penalty, but Saint FC goalkeeper Olanrewaju Niran — whose earlier mistake led to SGIC’s equalizer — redeemed himself by saving from the spot to ensure the match ended in a 1–1 draw.