My Hope Football Club came from a goal down to defeat Hypebuzz Football Academy 3-1 in their Group A fixture of the ongoing 2026 FCT FA Division One League Super 8 on Monday in Abuja.

The match was played at the Area 3 Football Pitch, with Hypebuzz taking an early lead in the fourth minute after a My Hope FC defender scored an own goal.

Hypebuzz continued to threaten, with Sunday Samson and Abdullahi Oyegbola coming close in the 20th minute, while Adams Suileman and Paul Junior went close for My Hope FC in the 25th minute.

In the 36th minute, Hypebuzz’s Ifeanyi Bright and Habeeb Abdulsaminiu also created opportunities, but My Hope FC’s defence stood firm to prevent further damage.

At the start of the second half, My Hope FC intensified their pressure and equalised in the 49th minute when Hypebuzz FA conceded an own goal to make it 1-1.

My Hope FC made a substitution in the 59th minute, with Pitam Wisdom replacing Sikuru Kazeem.

Hypebuzz came close to regaining the lead in the 63rd minute through Sunday Egbo and Oti Chidike, but their effort hit the crossbar.

My Hope FC completed the turnaround in the 79th minute when Paul Junior fired home to give his side a 2-1 lead.

Pitam Wisdom then sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, converting a free-kick to extend My Hope FC’s lead to 3-1.

Hypebuzz tried to reduce the deficit late in the game, while Adams Suileman and Kelechi Ndukwu came close to adding a fourth goal for My Hope FC in the 87th minute, but their effort went over the bar.

Speaking after the match, Timi Ogunjimi, head coach of My Hope FC, attributed the victory to the determination, consistency and motivation of his players and the technical bench.

The coach said the victory was the team’s first win in the Super 8 after losing their opening two matches, adding that the result would move them to third on the log.

He acknowledged that only one team would qualify from the group, but said his side would remain focused while preparing for the 2027 FCT FA Division One League and other grassroots activities.

Arome Haruna, head coach of Hypebuzz FA, attributed the defeat to missed chances and fatigue.

Mr Haruna said his players started well and created chances but failed to convert them, allowing My Hope FC to punish their mistakes.

He described the tournament as a developmental programme for his young players, many of whom were playing in the league for the first time.

Mr Haruna said the academy’s long-term objective was to develop the players and expose them to opportunities beyond Nigeria, adding that their first-round performance, when they topped the table, remained commendable despite the setback in the Super 8.

The 2026 FCT FA Division One League commenced on July 13, with all matches played at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja.

(NAN)