A few days prior, the Ikorodu City FC players huddled on the training pitch, their eyes trained on Coach Kalu Eze as he blew his whistle. The team converged around him, eager to hear his closing remarks before the day's training session concluded.
"Today's session is over," Coach Kalu announced, his voice resolute yet encouraging. "Head home, fuel up, and rest well for tomorrow. You're dismissed!"
The team bowed In unison, their voices melding into a chorus of gratitude, "Thank you very much, sir!" as they dispersed.
Instead of going home, Coach Kalu and his wife, Bimbo, ventured toward the club's facilities. Bimbo was puzzled by their detour, "Where are we going?"
Coach Kalu replied in a matter-of-fact tone, "We're heading to the academy. The B team has a game today, and we're going to watch it."
Bimbo's brow creased with confusion, "Why?"
Coach Kalu's eyes shone with intensity, "I'm searching for something. Something our team needs."
Upon arriving at the academy pitch, the game was already in progress. The Ikorodu City FC B team was in the lead, with a scoreline of 1-0. Coach Kalu's gaze surveyed the field, his attention drawn to a young midfielder. "Honey, who's that player?" Coach Kalu asked, pointing toward the boy.
Bimbo followed his gaze, "Who are you referring to?"
"That boy in midfield, number 20," Coach Kalu clarified.
Bimbo's eyes brightened with recognition, "Ah, that's Israel… Israel Torty. He's a 16-year-old offensive midfielder who excels at dictating the tempo of the game."
Coach Kalu's eyes widened with excitement, "Control, huh? That's it!"
Bimbo was perplexed, "That's what?"
Coach Kalu's face lit up with enthusiasm, "Precisely what I've been searching for. The missing piece!"
Back in the present, Coach Kalu stood in the dressing room, his voice filled with unwavering belief as he addressed his players.
"Gentlemen, I know we've had our fair share of challenges lately, but I have faith in each and every one of you. We possess the talent, skill, and determination to succeed. Let's show them what we're made of on that pitch."
The room erupted In a resounding "Yeah!" as the players raised their fists in solidarity, their spirits rekindled and ready to face the battle ahead.
"We'll start the second half with five changes to the line-up," Coach Kalu declared, his gaze sweeping across the team. "Now, let's get out there and secure the victory!"
The team's spirits were high as they responded with a resounding "Yeah!", their determination and resolve evident in their voices.
Up in the stands, the journalists engaged in a heated discussion about the first half. Ayo from The Sports Gazette couldn't resist gloating, "I told you guys, didn't I? Didn't I predict that Eyimba would win this match? And look, they've already got a 3-goal lead in just the first 45 minutes. Do you still think Ikorodu City FC has a chance?"
Frank shook his head, resigned, "No, it's over."
Ayo erupted into laughter, his triumph ringing out, "Hahahahahaha."
At that moment, the teams emerged onto the pitch, readying themselves for the second half. As they took their positions, the assistant referee held up the substitution board, signaling Ikorodu City FC's five changes. Isaac Oru replaced Tola, Samuel Edewor replaced Andrew, Daniel Obasi replaced Paul, Jeffery Agogo replaced Yusuf, and Israel Torty made his debut as he replaced Eben.
The commentator's voice boomed, "Wow! Coach Kalu Eze has made some bold changes to the line-up, bringing in young talent – all of them just 16 years old. But there's one we haven't seen before. Israel Torty is making his first appearance today."
As the players assumed their positions, Coach Kalu strode confidently toward the Ikorodu City FC fans and stood before them, locking eyes with them. The players exchanged confused glances, uncertain of his intentions.
"What is he doing?" Ade asked, his brow creased in confusion.
"Is he upset about us blocking the bus last week?" Olukoya wondered aloud.
Suddenly, Coach Kalu Eze raised his arms, urging the fans to cheer for the team with all their might. For a moment, the stadium fell silent, before erupting into a thunderous cheer from the Ikorodu City FC supporters.
"If Coach Kalu Eze hasn't given up, then neither can we!" Promise's voice echoed through the megaphone.
"So what if they scored three goals in the first half? We can still win this!" Nsofor, a fan, shouted.
"They scored three in the first half? We'll score four in the second!" Evelyn, another fan, chimed in, her voice filled with unwavering faith.
Coach Kalu Eze returned to his seat, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as the energy of the fans washed over the stadium.
At the journalists' section, they watched the scene with amazement. "Wow! What's happening right now?" Rose from the Intercontinental Planet asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Ayo offered an explanation, "That's the kind of impact Kalu has, considering his history with the club as a player. He knows how to inspire the fans and instill hope for a brighter future."
"It's incredible to witness the confidence in Kalu's eyes as he emerged from the dressing room and how effortlessly he conveyed that assurance to the fans," Frank commented. "But the question remains, can Ikorodu City FC truly stage a comeback?"
Bridget from the Daily Pitch chimed in, her voice resolute, "The point when defeats become impossible to prevent or overturn is when everyone loses hope. But that's not the case here, is it?"
Ayo raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Bridget's words. "What are you implying?"
A knowing smile played on Bridget's lips as she replied, "I'm saying that the game isn't over yet. Ikorodu City FC can still win this."
The second half commenced with Ikorodu City FC gaining possession of the ball. To everyone's astonishment, they appeared to be in command of the game. In a stark contrast to the first half, Ikorodu City FC dominated the match to the extent that they were comfortably passing the ball around Eyimba FC's half. The driving force behind this turnaround was none other than Israel Torty.
"Israel Torty maneuvers through the midfield and sends a pass to Moses. Back to Israel… to Ibrahim… and back to Israel again. Ikorodu City FC is in complete control of the game," the commentator exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
The once skeptical journalists now watched in amazement as Ikorodu City FC showcased a level of cohesion and skill that had been absent in the first half.
Israel Torty was a force to be reckoned with in midfield, expertly maneuvering the ball and constantly shifting his position to maintain control. Eyimba FC struggled to regain possession, as Israel's mastery of the game proved to be an insurmountable challenge.
In the 54th minute, Ikorodu City FC found an opportunity to score. "Israel delivers a pass to Samuel, who then finds Daniel. Back to Israel… and ISRAEEEEEEEL!!! GOOOAAAAAL! Ikorodu City FC narrows the gap to 3-1! At only 16 years of age, this young prodigy scores his first goal for Ikorodu City FC. What a sensational debut he's having!" the commentator bellowed.
The match resumed, with Eyimba FC in possession once more. But their control was short-lived, as Israel swiftly regained possession for his team. In response to Israel Torty's dominance in the midfield, Eyimba's coach instructed two players to mark him closely. However, their efforts were futile against the nimble-footed teenager, who never held onto the ball for too long, unlike Isaac Oru.
In the 68th minute, Ikorodu City FC seized another opportunity to score. "Agogo sends a ball towards the middle. Moses wins the aerial duel against Maxwell. Here comes Israel Torty, passing to Ibrahim, who delivers a brilliant ball to Isaac Oru. Oru crosses the ball in, Samuel chests a pass… and it's DANIELLL! GOOOAAAAAL! What a left-footed curler! The score is now 3-2! At just 16 years old, the young sensation scores his first goal for Ikorodu City FC," the commentator's voice boomed.
The second goal sent the stadium into a frenzy, as the crowd roared with excitement and disbelief. Rose from the Intercontinental Planet playfully jabbed at Ayo, "Well, Ayo, it's 3-2 now." Ayo from The Sports Gazette remained unimpressed, "Congratulations to them, but they haven't won the game yet."
As the match resumed, Ikorodu City FC wasted no time in applying high pressure on Eyimba FC. Isaac Oru skillfully intercepted the ball and launched a decisive pass, causing Eyimba FC's defense line to crumble. Samuel bolted towards the ball, managing to reach it before the goalkeeper. With deft footwork, he dribbled past the keeper and sent the ball into the open net. This goal came a mere minute after Daniel's previous strike.
"Azikiwe loses possession to Oru! Oru sends a brilliant ball to Samuel… SAMUEEEEEEEL! GOOOAAAAAL! 3-3! Yet another 16-year-old wonder scores his first goal for Ikorodu City FC! They've fought their way back from a 3-goal deficit, and now the game is tied!" the commentator's voice boomed with excitement.
From that point on, Isaac Oru seemed to enter a state of unstoppable brilliance, weaving past opponents as if they were mere obstacles in his path. In the 82nd minute, Isaac Oru received a pass in the center of the pitch and embarked on a breathtaking run.
"Oru… to Ibrahim… Onyeka… back to Oru, he takes on one player, then another, showcasing incredible skill. He's still going, evading a fourth challenge, but he's finally halted. It's a freekick for Ikorodu City FC," the commentator's voice rang out, capturing the intensity of the moment.
Isaac Oru stepped up to take the free kick, curling the ball over the wall, but it sailed just over the crossbar. With the clock ticking down, the referee signaled for 2 minutes of added time. Desperate to contain the unstoppable force that was Isaac Oru, Eyimba FC's coach assigned three players to mark him closely.
In the 91st minute, Samuel was fouled on the edge of the box, prompting the referee to award a free kick. "Oru steps up to take the free kick. Score, and Ikorodu City FC claims all three points. Miss, and it's a draw. What will it be?" the commentator questioned, the tension in his voice mirroring the atmosphere in the stadium.
Isaac Oru chose to shoot from the direct free kick, sneaking the ball under the wall and into the net. The entire stadium erupted as Isaac Oru raced towards Coach Kalu Eze, the two sharing a jubilant embrace.
"Oruuuuu! GOOOAAAAAL! A sensational strike! It's 3-4! The comeback is complete!" the commentator's voice bellowed, capturing the sheer exhilaration of the moment.
The game resumed briefly before the referee's final whistle pierced the air, signaling the end of the match. Coach Kalu Eze made his way to the fans, exchanging high-fives and handshakes as they chanted his name, "KALU EZE! KALU EZE! KALU EZE! KALU EZE!"
The stadium was alive with cheers and applause as Ikorodu City FC reveled in their incredible comeback victory. The players embraced one another, tears of joy streaming down their faces as the reality of their achievement sank in.
Coach Kalu Eze beamed with pride as he addressed his team. "I knew you had it in you all along," he said, his voice brimming with emotion. "You've put in the hard work, and you've earned this moment. Let's enjoy it, and then let's get back to work. We've got more games to conquer."
The fans' chants of Coach Kalu Eze's name echoed throughout the stadium as the team continued to celebrate their victory. This was a moment that would live on in their memories, a testament to their unwavering determination and spirit.
As the team made their way off the field, they were met with thunderous cheers and applause from the fans. It was a moment of pure euphoria, a memory that would stay with them forever.
The final scoreline read 3-4, a result that would go down in history as one of the greatest comebacks in football. Ikorodu City FC had defied the odds, clawing their way back from a 3-0 deficit to emerge victorious with a 4-3 win. This triumph would serve as a significant confidence booster and provide momentum as they progressed through the season.
SEASON 2
U17 ARC
C.O.M.I.N.G. . S.O.O.N