NLO: Matters Arising, After Cynosure FC Thrash George Turnah 3-0

MAYUKU CHARLES/Port Harcourt

Cynosure FC picked first win of the Nation-Wide League One (NLO) after winning 3-0 at home to George Turnah FC on Friday evening.

Awakaji Chigozie Solomon scored just before the half hour mark after he clinically connected with his head a perfect cross from Mohammed Mustafi.
Nze Okechukwu made it 2-0 from 12 yards after enterprising Awakaji Chigozie Solomon was brought down in the goal area.

Although Coach Adah’s men grew into the game, Nze Okechukwu added a third again from the spot just after the hour mark to all but end the tie and secure all three points for the home side.

From clinical diagnosis of the match, PM EXPRESS has some takeaway from the crucial encounter.

Will Cynosure FC get the NNL promotion ticket?
Given that the Centre of Attraction side from Port Harcourt are cut adrift of their rivals in the NLO division 1 group E2 and preparation for the state’s FA Cup would appear to hinge on their efforts in this tournament, these games have taken on greater significance. Coach Smart Justin has stressed that he takes all matches seriously but the focus should surely be on picking the group’s sole promotion playoff ticket.

Cynosure FC too strong for George Turnah FC

Cynosure Fc took a huge stride towards achieving their set objective with a comprehensive 3-0 win at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium Port Harcourt.

Having faulted in their first match losing by the odd goal in Uyo to Ibom Youths Fc, the trip to the same ground to confront Cofine Fc in their next game away from home could prove a trickier assignment for Coach Smart Justins.

Cofine FC played out a 1-1 draw in Yenagoa against George Turnah Fc in their first match this season and were drawn bye on match day 2. Playing against them in Uyo will be tough but it will define Cynosure Fc’s season.

Should Coach Smart Justin now rotate?

Somewhat ironically given the importance that the next match away from home has assumed for Coach Smart and having seen player withdrawn with various degree of injuries, the big question now will be should Coach Smart rotate his players?

The chance to rotate is a welcome one and Smart will be expected to take it.

New role for Igwuoku Chidiebere?
One man entitled to expect another run out is Igwuoku Chidiebere. He has had his chances to play on the left side of a three man defence and he did put up a 5-star performance against George Turnah FC.
Igwuoku Chidiebere a natural right back delivered a typically unflustered performance, completing 14 of his 19 tackles and demonstrating the ability to carry the ball forward from his deep starting position. He has had to be patient to show what he can do but this was a belated reminder that Igwuoku Chidiebere is much more than a right-back. Maybe he can be Smart’s flexible friend.

Can Mustafi lead the line?
While Timothy English ticked a box for Coach Smart with his creative ability in the midfield, Mustafi got his chance to lead the line for Cynosure Fc after a decent second half showing in Uyo on match day one and he did not fail to impress. He used his body frame to his advantage winning virtually every aerial ball. His intelligent runs away from defenders going further yielded fruit when his well tailored cross found the head of Awakaji Chigozie Solomon for the first goal.

Did Cynosure FC play with 12 players?
The 12th man or 12th player is a term for fans of teams in eleven-a-side sports games, particularly football. As most football leagues allow a maximum of eleven players per team on the playing field at a time, referring to a team’s fans as the 12th man implies that they have a potentially helpful role in the game.

Infrequently, the term has referred to individuals having a notable connection to their football team.
This was what Cynosure Fc benefited from against George Turnah Fc as the supporters came out in their numbers to cheer their team to victory. The presence of the supporters had a profound impact on the teams performance on the day giving them that extra man advantage.