Green Lock FC kicked off their training tour in Antalya, Turkey with a triumphant 3-2 victory over the under 17 squad of their hosts, Antalyaspor AS. The win, earned on Tuesday, was spurred by the dynamic midfield duo of Opeyemi Falade and tour captain Damilola Adeyeye, with solid support from Ibrahim Ashiru, who hails from Kano.
Although the team started sluggishly, they found their rhythm about fifteen minutes into the match. Captain Adeyeye led the charge with vigor, inspiring his teammates through his energetic play, direct attacks, and vocal encouragement. Notably, Adeyeye had previously represented Nigeria in the Under-16 team during their 2019 campaign in Japan.
Meanwhile, Ashiru’s steadfast defensive contributions in midfield allowed Falade to showcase his recent resurgence in form, particularly evident in his pivotal role in creating scoring opportunities. This effort bore fruit in the 35th minute when Theophilus Babas expertly curled in the opening goal.
Antalyaspor AS’s under 17 team managed to level the score just before halftime due to a lapse in Green Lock FC’s defense. However, Falade swiftly regained the lead early in the second half with a skillful solo effort.
In the 70th minute, Edwin Onazi extended Green Lock FC’s lead, capitalizing on Usman Mustapha’s adept play on the right wing. Despite Antalyaspor AS’s under 17 side pulling one back from the penalty spot against the run of play, Green Lock FC continued to press forward, led by Adeyeye and Falade, albeit thwarted by Antalyaspor’s substitute goalkeeper’s brilliance.
Later today, Green Lock FC is set to face off against Antalyaspor AS’s under 19 team at the same venue, scheduled for 5pm local time.