Seyi Joshua
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Dauda Olalere stepped onto Ile‑Ogbo’s turf with a fire‑lit confidence that only a returnee can carry. After a brief stint donning Crown FC’s colours in Ogbomosho in recent seasons, the striker had spent the earlier fixtures watching from the sidelines and getting games from the bench while his team chased points. This season, Akin Onigbinde finally thrust him back into the starting XI, and Dauda answered with a scintillating hat‑trick that turned a 3‑1 deficit into a dramatic 3‑3 draw against stubborn visitors Abakaliki FC.
The six‑goal thriller left the home record tainted, but it also painted Dauda as the proven leveller for a side still finding its footing in the Nigeria National League.
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Speaking in the mixed‑zone, Dauda’s optimism was palpable. “We felt disappointed with the result,” he admitted, “but our heads are high and intact. We’re sorry for the outcome; we know our supporters aren’t happy, but we’re not dejected. This is a wake‑up call for every one of us.” His words echoed the collective resolve of a squad that has felt the weight of expectation yet refuses to collapse under it. He stressed that while the coaches are grinding for positive results, the onus ultimately falls on the players to compose themselves and respond on the pitch.
The forward doubled down on the responsibility of the team. “We will approach every game with much seriousness and caution. The fans should believe in us, we have done it before and we shall do it again. We are ready to restore the lost point even away from home.” He added that the coaching staff’s faith in his goal‑scoring abilities fuels his determination to deliver whenever called upon. “Once again I apologise on behalf of my teammates for what happened. Better days are ahead,” Okinni as he’s fondly called declared, his voice firm with a promise of redemption.
With that blend of contrition and confidence, Dauda Olalere has positioned himself as not just a match‑winner but a morale booster for Osun United’s campaign. The draw against Abakaliki may have left a bittersweet taste, yet it also lit a fire under the squad, a reminder that they possess the talent, the grit, and now, a renewed belief that they can climb the Nigeria National League table. As the season rolls on, fans are eager to see how United inner strength translate into the victories that will finally restore Osun United’s fortunes.
