2023 NBSL Matchday 5 Wrap: Kebbi BSC keeps unbeaten run after thrilling Kebbi Derby

By Olusola Adebayo

After five matchdays of the 2023 Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL), 2021 Champions, Kebbi BSC remained the only unbeaten team this season.

The team faced the second team from Kebbi State in the league and debutant, Kebbi United BSC on Sunday in the first Kebbi Derby of the league.

Both sides had won their previous four games ahead of Sunday's encounter in Kaduna and had to be separated on penalties.

Kebbi BSC had to come from two goals down in the third period to secure a 2-2 draw which took the game into penalties.

Kebbi United BSC took a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Umar Sadiq and Ibrahim Malami in the first and second periods respectively.

Determined to avoid its first defeat of the campaign, Kebbi Fishers equalized in the third period as Hassan Muhammed and Badmus Fuad's goals took the game into extra time.

Both sides were not separated after extra time taking the match into the lottery of penalties.

Kebbi BSC scored all its four spot kicks by Taiwo Adams, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Hassan Muhammed, and Badmus Fuad Kebbi while Hamza Abubakar and Sulaiman Aliyu missed their penalties for Kebbi United BSC.

The 4-1 win on penalties by Kebbi BSC ensured that the top-ranked club in Africa remained the only unbeaten team after five games.

Earlier, Nmanko Patigi BSC bounced back from Matchday four's loss to Kada BSC with a 3-2 win over Ibom BSC.

Azeez Lawal's brace and Blessing Elijah's long-range goal sealed the win for the Kwara State-based side.

Sani Hassan's brace for Ibom BSC was mere consolation with the debutant yet to win any of its first five games of the season.

Meanwhile, the game between Kada BSC and Smart City BSC ended 3-0 in favor of Kada BSC after Smart City was walked over again for not turning up in Kaduna State for Phase 2 of the league.

Phase 2 of the 2023 NBSL will round up on Monday before Phase 3 in the next center where the Champion for the third NBSL season will be crowned.