Hockey Super League: Niger Flickers beat Delta Kings 2-0 amid controversy over first goal

Controversy
Abuja, June 17, 2019 (NAN) Niger Flickers of Minna on Monday beat the Delta Kings of Asaba 2-0 in the ongoing 2019 Hockey Super League at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

A field goal each in the second and third periods by Flickers’ captain Umar Danladi capped a respectable performance by the three-time champions.

However, the game was better remembered for its controversial moment after Danladi registered his first of the match.

Delta Kings’ players protested the goal and threatened to boycott the game, until they were dissuaded by their coach who called for calm and persuaded them to return to the pitch.

Danladi’s shot leading to the goal appeared to have been played from outside the arc, a situation that would have required a deflection inside the area by his teammate.

But the ball seemed to have been deflected by a Delta Kings player just outside the area.

If the first goal proved to be controversial, Danladi’s second goal was as clean as a whistle.

The captain was quickest to respond to Bala Shamsudeen’s loose ball with a tap-in from close range, having beaten Delta Kings’ goalkeeper.

Delta Kings then drew two point-blank saves from Niger Flickers goalkeeper in the final period and fluffed a penalty corner opportunity to pull a goal back.

In a post-match interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Delta Kings’ coach Richard Jacobs said his players gave a good account of themselves in spite of poor officiating.

“My team performed beyond my expectations. They (Delta Kings’ players) were good, but the officiating umpires ruined the game for us. Many of the fouls they called against us were
unnecessary.

“Of course, the first goal they awarded to Niger Flickers was technically not a goal. The rule of the game says you have to enter the shooting circle before a goal can be awarded.

“Their player took a shot from outside the shooting area and my player outside the shooting area deflected the ball. How was that a goal? It was a bizarre decision,” an animated Jacobs
said.

He also alleged that Niger Flickers enjoy preferential treatment in Nigerian hockey.

“Niger Flickers are often treated like the baby of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) because their chairperson bankrolls the federation.

“You can do your findings. No team is comfortable playing against them.

“But my team will shake off this defeat and bounce back,” he said.

But his opposite number, Mohammed Adamu, said his team was only reaping the reward of hard work and early preparations.

“We are only benefiting from adequate preparations. We had a three-month camping and we were the first team to arrive Abuja for this tournament.

“We also have adequate logistics and are well motivated. We are three-times champions and our goal is to return to winning the trophy and today’s victory is a step in that direction,” he said.(NAN)
KIA/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)