Mateco Football Academy Held To Goalless Draw By FA Brave Eagles U17

Mateco Football Academy travelled to Igoba Community High School in Akure on 24 January 2026 for a friendly away fixture against FA Brave Eagles U17, kicking off at 4:20pm. The 90-minute encounter ended in a 0-0 stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock in a tightly contested match.

Mateco Football Academy lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking width. Joseph Halleluyah took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four consisting of Mubarak Muhammed at right back, Ismaila Rabiu and Agbaje Olamide as central defenders, and Iwalewa Olajuwon on the left flank. The midfield trio featured Joseph Love on the right, Ajewole Oluwaseun centrally, and Abosede Ayotomiwa on the left, expected to link defence and attack while providing support to the front three. Up front, Jubril Bidemi operated as the right forward, Yusuf Maleek led the line as the central striker, and Akanni Tobi took up the left forward position, tasked with stretching the opposition defence and creating scoring opportunities.

No substitutes were named for Mateco Football Academy in this fixture, meaning the starting eleven were relied upon for the full duration of the match.

The first half saw both teams probe cautiously, with Mateco Football Academy attempting to impose their 4-3-3 shape through patient build-up play. Mubarak Muhammed and Iwalewa Olajuwon were tasked with providing width from the back, while Ajewole Oluwaseun sought to control the midfield tempo. Despite some promising link-up play between the midfield and forwards, clear-cut chances were limited as FA Brave Eagles U17 maintained a disciplined defensive structure.

Joseph Halleluyah was called into action on a few occasions, demonstrating alertness and command of his area to keep the scoreline level. The central defensive pairing of Rabiu and Olamide worked cohesively to thwart attempts from the Brave Eagles’ attackers, while the midfield trio tracked runners diligently to prevent penetration through the middle.

The attacking trio of Bidemi, Maleek, and Tobi combined efforts to test the opposition defence, but were unable to convert possession into meaningful goal-scoring opportunities. The match remained evenly poised at the interval, with the half-time whistle signalling a goalless scoreline.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with Mateco Football Academy maintaining their 4-3-3 formation and seeking to find a breakthrough. The midfielders continued to shuttle between defence and attack, while the full-backs pushed forward when possible to support the wide forwards. However, the FA Brave Eagles U17 defence remained resolute, denying Mateco’s forwards space and time to execute decisive plays.

Despite sustained pressure, Mateco Football Academy could not find a way past the Brave Eagles’ goalkeeper, who made several important saves to keep his side in the contest. The match ended without either team managing to score, reflecting a balanced and competitive friendly encounter.

In summary, Mateco Football Academy’s disciplined defensive performance and structured approach in a 4-3-3 formation ensured they left Akure with a clean sheet, though their attacking efforts fell short of breaking down a well-organised FA Brave Eagles U17 side. The goalless draw provided valuable match experience for both teams in this early season friendly.