Strikers Hub Football Academy on Monday defeated Red Lion sporting Academy 2-0 in a Group C encounter of the ongoing 2026 FCT Football Association (FCT FA) Division two League at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the league, which commenced on Sept. 8, features 28 teams competing for promotion to Division One.

Strikers Hub captain, Samuel Peter, opened the scoring in the 31st minute after dribbling past a Red Lion defender, while Anthony Phillip doubled the lead in the 58th minute with a well-placed shot.

Red Lion created several scoring opportunities but failed to convert them, as Strikers Hub’s goalkeeper remained alert to thwart their attempts.

Luis Ugbor and Chinedu Chukwu of Strikers Hub received yellow cards in the 35th and 40th minute, respectively.

On resumption of the second half, Red Lion intensified their efforts to draw level, but Strikers Hub’s goalkeeper remained alert to keep the opposition at bay.

Several attempts either went over the crossbar or were comfortably handled by the goalkeeper.

Strikers Hub also received two more yellow cards in the second half, with Godspower cautioned in the 50th minute and Anthony Phillip booked in the 55th minute.

Chukwu received a second yellow card in the 80th minute, leaving Strikers Hub with 10 players, but the academy held on to secure all three points.

Speaking after the match, Ola Frank, head coach of Strikers Hub, described the performance as good but said his players could have scored more goals.

“ I am grateful for the victory, which took the team’s tally to eight points from five matches.

“ I want to expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating. Although my team remained in contention for qualification and the academy is about two years old now,” he said.

Samuel Peter, captain of Strikers Hub Football Academy, expressed gratitude to God for his team’s victory, describing their journey in the competition as challenging.

He praised his teammates for their efforts and expressed confidence in their ability to improve as they pursue a place in the final.

“It has been rough all through, but we give all the glory to God from the beginning to the end. We all did well, although there were difficult moments.

“ I want to thanked the tournament’s sponsor for providing the platform for players to showcase their talents and presently I have scored four goals so far in the league,” he said.

Isaac Nyamsom, head coach of Red Lions Sporting Academy , attributed his team’s 2-0 defeat to poor ball possession, missed scoring opportunities and an inability to maintain the tempo of the game.

He said the players put up a reasonable performance but failed to convert their efforts into a positive result.

“The team’s performance was very good, but it was not good enough because we lost possession, missed chances and could not keep up with the tempo of the game,”he said.

He identified a possible lack of fitness and consistency as areas requiring improvement, expressing confidence that his team would perform better in its next match.

In spite of the defeat, Nyamsom insisted that Red Lion remained in contention and was determined to return stronger in the next round.

“We are still in the race. We will come back stronger , do what we know how to do and complete the race,” he said.

Group C comprises Brilliant Lads Football Academy, Strikers Hub Football Academy, Red Lion Sporting Academy, Peculiar Football Academy, Winco FC and MGISS Football Club.

Only two teams from each group will qualify for the next stage of the competition.

Brilliant Lads Football Academy lead the group with nine points from five matches, having recorded three wins and two defeats, with a goal difference of plus two.

Strikers Hub occupy is in second position with eight points and a goal difference of plus four, while Red Lion Sporting Academy also have eight points but a goal difference of zero.

Peculiar Football Academy have five points from four matches, while Winco FC have three points from four matches. MGISS Football Club occupy the bottom position with one point from three matches.

In another match played at the same venue, Sporting Dream defeated Unified FC 4-2. (NAN)