Planet FC beats Abray Sports on penalties to secure a ticket to the NNL playoffs

Planet FC booked their place in the next stage of the Nationwide League One (NLO) playoffs after defeating Abray Sports FC 4-2 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw in normal time.

In the entertaining encounter played inside the Rashidi Yekini Mainbow at the George Innih Stadium on Friday afternoon, both teams fought fiercely for a coveted playoff berth, with La Planet FC finally holding their nerve from the penalty spot to emerge victorious.

After a goalless first half, La Planet FC scored first in the 55th minute when Mojeed Saka calmly converted a penalty. The lead was doubled in the 71st minute thanks to Abdulrahman Abdulsalam, putting La Planet firmly in control of the match.

However, Abray Sports FC pulled off a spirited comeback late in the match. Obadun Abdulrasheed reduced the lead in the 79th minute before scoring his second goal seven minutes later to level the score at 2-2 and force the match to a penalty shootout.

In the penalty shootout, La Planet FC was more composed, converting four of its five shots from the penalty spot, while Abray Sports missed two crucial penalties. The victory sealed La Planeta’s progression and ended Abray Sports FC’s playoff campaign.

Speaking after the match, La Planet FC head coach Sheriff Jimoh praised his players for their resilience and determination.

“I’m very happy for my boys because they put up a good fight. We understood Abray Sports and how they play. They are a very strong team, especially in attack. I told my players to stay calm against them, and they were able to do that in the first half.”

The coach admitted that his team lost concentration after taking a two-goal lead, allowing their opponents to get back into the game.

“We lost concentration after being two goals up, and that’s why we conceded those goals. They gained confidence and were able to equalize because of our lack of concentration. Fortunately, we were able to maintain our composure in the penalty shootout and get the win.”

La Planent will represent Kwara State in Abuja in July 2026 in the promotional playoffs where they will fight for promotion to the second tier of the Nigerian National League (NNL) entries.