Hephzibah Sports Club opened its campaign in the final Nationwide League One (NLO) South West Promotion Playoffs with a commanding 4–2 victory over Franceex United, delivering a strong performance in their push for promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The match carried significant importance for Hephzibah SC, who had already earned their place in this decisive stage after defeating Chekas United in the Lagos State playoffs.
With the objective of securing a winning start and building momentum toward promotion, the team approached the contest with intensity, discipline, and attacking purpose.
Hephzibah SC took control early in the game when Nicholas opened the scoring in the 9th minute, calmly finishing to give his side an early advantage. The goal settled the team and allowed them to dictate the tempo as they continued to press forward in search of more.
Their dominance was rewarded again in the 20th minute when Idowu Nazif extended the lead with a composed finish, making it 2–0 and putting Hephzibah SC in a comfortable position before halftime. The two-goal cushion reflected their superior control and attacking efficiency in the opening half.
Franceex United returned from the break with greater urgency and managed to pull one back in the 50th minute, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and briefly shifting the momentum of the contest.
The goal gave the opposition hope and forced Hephzibah SC to respond under pressure.
The response came in impressive fashion. Innocent Okoro restored the two-goal lead after producing a brilliant solo effort, beating his marker inside the penalty area before finishing confidently to make it 3–1. His goal reasserted Hephzibah SC’s control and demonstrated the quality within the squad.
Franceex United, however, remained competitive and scored again in the 65th minute to bring the scoreline to 3–2, keeping the match alive and setting up a tense closing period.
As the game moved into stoppage time and Franceex United pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Kabiru Sodiq delivered the decisive moment. In the 90+3rd minute, he completed a clinical attacking move to seal the result at 4–2, ensuring Hephzibah SC collected all three points in their opening playoff fixture.
The victory gives Hephzibah SC an excellent start in the promotion playoffs, where the clear target is to finish top of the group and secure a place in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The team’s performance reflected their determination to achieve that goal, with the players showing resilience, attacking sharpness, and the ability to respond when challenged.
Match Report
Competition: Nationwide League One (NLO) South West Promotion Playoffs – Matchday 1
Venue: MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta
Result: Hephzibah Sports Club 4–2 Franceex United
Hephzibah SC Goals:
- ⚽ Nicholas (9')
- ⚽ Idowu Nazif (20')
- ⚽ Innocent Okoro (after a brilliant solo run)
- ⚽ Kabiru Sodiq (90+3')
Hephzibah SC’s goals came through Nicholas in the 9th minute, Idowu Nazif in the 20th minute, Innocent Okoro after a brilliant solo run, and Kabiru Sodiq in the 90+3rd minute.
Looking Ahead
Hephzibah Sports Club now shifts its focus to its second group fixture against Ablaze FC. Another victory would move the team one step closer to achieving its dream of promotion to the Nigeria National League.
The club congratulates the players, coaching staff, management, and loyal supporters on a fantastic start to the final phase of the NLO promotion campaign. The journey continues, and Hephzibah SC remains fully focused on finishing the job.