BY SAB OSUJI, in Owerri

New St Nwadinso Football Academy, Oba, near Onitsha, Saturday, boldly announced their entry entry into the Nation's club football with a deserved 2-1 win against Peace FC, Awka, in their first competitive match as a club.

It was an 'Anambra Derby' here at the Onwubiko Innocent Soccer Academy, OISA, Stadium, Okpala, near Owerri, in the opening day of the 2024 NLO Playoffs.

The Obinna Achebe charges left no one in doubt about their resolve to make their presence count. Clad in an all-white jersey, reminiscent of the Rangers FC of the '80s, St Nwadinso opened and spread wide their fangs, dried up Peace for dinner.

They were duly and deservedly rewarded with two first half goals from Ebukosia Emmanuel Chukwunonso and Tony Paul. 

But coach Obinna 'Nwa Aba's' boys returned for the second period, pulled off the pedal, and Peace found some hope with a strike that halved the deficit.

Somehow, St Nwadinso managed to hang on, defended stoutly to grind out a valuable 2-1 win to steady their minds going to Monday's match day two fixture against reigning Imo FA Cup holders, Ikukuoma FC who played out a scoreless draw against First Mahi FC in their opening match.