Gateway United edge Beyond Limits to Ogun State FA Cup title

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Gateway United FC pipped Beyond Limits Academy 1-0 to win the 2023 Ogun State FA Cup.

The Abeokuta-based side thus reclaimed the star FA Cup title it last won in 2021 after falling at the semi-final of the 2022 edition to Remo Stars.

Omolaoye Abiodun in the 57th minute headed in Gateway United’s winning goal to seal the title for Toyin Ayinla’s side as the two finalists will represent Ogun State at the national finals of the 2023 Federation Cup.

“There are no minnows in Challenge Cup. Our opponents played three matches before getting to the final,” Toyin Ayinla told Nigeriafootball.ng after the state final’s triumph.

“That means they are not an academy with good quality football but because the experience wasn’t that much on their side gave us the edge over them. In years to come, you will see some of them playing for the national teams.”

“Let’s give thanks to almighty God for giving us this opportunity to be at the final and also lay our hands on the Cup. We’re grateful. The next target is the Federation Cup which will start very soon and we have to prepare for that.

“The euphoria of this victory will only motivate us but we will not go to sleep. We have to prepare because there are still some loopholes in our team. We won’t go back to the drawing board now but to the pitch to make corrections.”

On his part, Gateway United captain, Iwundu Chidozie opened up on his side’s disappointing final loss.

The game was 50/50 based on their style of play. We don’t have any edge or underrate them. They are a professional team and have a good side. We got our opportunity and scored the lone goal,” Chidozie told Nigeriafootball.ng.

“I give all thanks to God for his grace and support from above. I believe his grace is upon us. I feel so great and excited that we started the season with a trophy. Most of the players are new here and this is their first trophy.”

Gateway United will shift focus on its NNL opener next week against Crown FC in Ogbomosho.