Onikan Stadium in Lagos was the venue of the 2023/2024 season opener between Broad City and Beyond Limits.
The reigning champions were looking to get their title defense underway against a side that had failed to defeat them in four TCC League meetings. But the hosts had other ideas for the party.
A frantic start to the game by both sides saw Broad City earn the first corner-kick of the clash. Having enjoyed a fair bit of the possession for the first five minutes, the hosts made the most of the set-piece as Akomolede Tunde powered home the resulting cross to open the scoring in the sixth minute.
Startled, Beyond Limits looked a shadow of their usual selves as they chased the game. While they had a lion share of the ball possession, they failed to convert the few chances that came their way. There was also the little matter of a very high Broad City defense line that they struggled to deal with.
By the end of the half, more Beyond Limits players had already been caught offside than there were goal-scorers for the side.
Coach Olumide’s side started the second half like they ended the first: On top of the game, bossing the possession. But they still couldn’t find the back of the net as they were matched by a sturdy Broad City defense that gave very little away.
With little to worry about at the back, Coach Ogunmoyero’s lads upped their ante and went in search of their second goal. Second half substitute, Jeremiah Christopher, saw his first shot on target tipped over the bar by Ayenugba Daniel 10 minutes into the half.
From the resulting corner, Adegbite Toheeb found space to nod the ball home from close range and doubled the hosts’ lead.
Two became three 14 minutes later as Broad City turned defense to attack. Iwuajioku Boluwatife’s initial interception was followed by a quick exchange with his teammates before sending the ball into enemy territory where Ahmed Sefiyanu was waiting to convert.
The visitors would pull one back in the 88th minute through Adio Ganiyu. However, the left-back’s goal was merely a consolation for Beyond Limits. On one hand, it’s a false start for the reigning champions. On the other, it’s an incredible kick off for Broad City. Can they, in their next game, live up to their reputation as ‘Giant Slayers’?
MAN OF THE MATCH
Sanusi Hanif (Broad City)
The winger was a constant thorn in the flesh of the opposition defenders, with his runs and his defense-splitting passes.