Sunday 30th January, 2022

Kick-off: 2:15PM

Venue: Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere

El Grand Clasico. Pep v Mourinho. League Champions v Cup Champions. Attack v Defence. The tie that gets everyone on the edge of their seats is an early top of the table clash. The contrast in identities is no more evident than in their goal difference after two games; +6 for Beyond Limits, +2 for Gbagada. 

The Blue Eagles come into this tie with two clean sheets,  but they have only scored twice as well, and are built on a strong defensive rock. The TCC Cup final meeting set the tone for Gbagada, who earned a win against the rampaging League champions with grit and determination. It is the animated Coach Akinyelu Olajide’s trademark, and it would be ultimately surprising if they veer from those tenets. 

Coach Ajibola Olumide is less animated on the touchline, but his players are anything but on the field of play. Beyond Limits are a prime Total Football outfit, and while memories of a historic double being denied will linger, they have bounced back perfectly, scoring with precision and playing with such elegance. On their day, they are unstoppable, and it would be no coincidence if they get run amok with goals in this tie. 

FORM

Gbagada: WDWW

Beyond Limits: WLWW 

STAT ATTACK 

Beyond Limits have scored eight goals in the TCC League this season, four times the tally of their rivals. 

MAN TO WATCH

Ademola Akibu (Gbagada)

Surprised much? Should Gbagada set up defensively as expected, it could all come down to Akibu’s ability to convert the few chances they would get, the forward has proved his reliability in times past, and if kept silent, could be the difference between 0, 1 and 3pts.