GOALKEEPER OREVA SHINES IN SUDDEN-DEATH SHOOTOUT AS UGHELLI NORTH ADVANCE
Ughelli North marched into the semi-finals of the Sheriff Junior Oborevwori Invitational Soccer Tournament after edging Urhobos in Warri South 5–4 on penalties, thanks to the brilliance of their goalkeeper, Omamezi Joshua Oreva, who emerged as the undisputed hero in a dramatic sudden-death finish at the Osubi Airport Field.
Both teams locked horns in a tense, tactical encounter that finished goalless after regulation time.
The quarter-final produced intense midfield battles, rapid transitions and several near-misses, but neither side managed to break the deadlock despite the attacking intent shown on both ends.
As the match progressed into a penalty shootout, the spotlight shifted to the goalkeepers
and they did not disappoint. Both shot-stoppers made crucial saves in the initial rounds, keeping the contest finely balanced and heightening the tension among supporters.
With the scoreline still tied after the mandatory five kicks, the shootout advanced into sudden death, where the pressure reached its peak and every kick became a potential match-winner or end of road in the tournament
That was the moment Oreva carved his name into the tournament’s storyline. Reading the Urhobos’ sudden-death attempt perfectly, he dived sharply to his right to make the decisive save, a stop that sealed a 5–4 victory for Ughelli North and sent their bench and supporters into jubilant celebration.
His composure, reflexes and leadership not only kept his side alive throughout the match but also earned him the Man of the Match Award, a fitting honour for a goalkeeper whose heroics defined the encounter.
With momentum now firmly on their side, Ughelli North progress into the semi-finals, buoyed by Oreva’s match-winning performance and renewed belief in their quest for the title at the Sheriff Junior Oborevwori Invitational Soccer Tournament..
Sheriff Jnr. Care Foundation