Redemption, Rivalries, and Revenge: The Final Showdown Before the Playoffs
As the sun set on the final weekend of regular season action in the Peculiar People’s Soccer League (PPSL), it brought drama, goals, missed penalties, yellow cards, sweet revenge, and fierce competition that left players breathless and fans begging for more. These last games weren’t just about points, they were about pride, redemption, and making bold statements before the playoffs kick off.
In the first match, Faith FC came out swinging like a team possessed by a righteous spirit. Their clash with Love FC was more than a game. It was a personal vendetta. Chidi Igwe summed it up best:
"Last time they met, it was Love FC that had the upper hand. They gave Faith a bitter flogging. Before Faith knew what was happening, the fight was separated. But this time, they met in a lonely street and there was no one to separate the fight. Faith gave Love a back-hand slap and a whooping."
Indeed, Faith did not forget. After missing an early penalty, they came back stronger. Kariboye opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 16th minute. Abolaji doubled it before halftime with a fine finish, and then added another deep into stoppage time. Assists came from Abolaji, Gomez, and Kehinde Oyelowo, showcasing Faith’s rebirth as a united force.
Meanwhile, Love FC had to endure yellow cards for Perfect and Taiye, frustration written all over their faces as the final whistle confirmed a 3-0 hammering. Some might say Faith looked like they were in cahoots with Joy FC, but no, this was personal. It was just a bitter revenge.

Speaking of Joy FC, they brought just enough sunshine to edge out Light FC in a tightly contested second match. The ever-reliable Daniel Onyeakazi, league’s top scorer with 10 goals, struck the winner in the 26th minute thanks to a clever assist by Charles Omonkhegbe. The goal sealed a 1-0 win, but Daniel’s day wasn’t perfect. He missed a penalty that could have made it a brace, denied by Light’s stoic keeper, Henry Aluede. Joy FC might have been all smiles at the final whistle, but it was clear that Light FC’s grit had kept them from running riot.
The third and final match of the day saw Grace FC restore calm in their own serene way by quietly and confidently brushing aside Peace FC. Sodiq opened the scoring in the 12th minute off a precise assist from Fife, and Elliot doubled their lead in the 27th with a solo effort that left defenders questioning reality. There were yellow cards aplenty, Sally, Michael, and Victor all booked for rough tackles, but Grace kept their composure where it mattered most, sealing a 2-0 victory and a third-place finish in the standings.
When the dust settled, the table told its own story. Joy FC topped the league with 19 points and a +5 goal difference, proving that consistency pays off. Love FC, despite their final loss, clung to second place with 18 points, narrowly edging Grace FC who finished just behind with 16. Light FC, Peace FC, and Faith FC filled out the bottom half, with Faith bringing up the rear on 8 points, despite a late surge in form and an impressive tally of 15 goals.
On the individual front, Daniel Onyeakazi (Joy FC) claimed the golden boot with 10 goals, followed by Kariboye Derek (Faith FC) with 7 and Osas (Love FC) with 6. Gomez (Faith), Elliot (Grace), and Marvin Goodluck (Joy) led the assist charts with 3 apiece, each having a hand in some of the season’s most memorable moments.
As the regular season closes, players and fans alike now turn their eyes toward the playoffs. The stakes are higher, the tension is thicker, and everyone is wondering: Will Joy maintain their shine? Can Love bounce back? Will Grace keep their calm? Or will Faith write a redemption story no one saw coming?
One thing is certain! The playoffs are going to be electric.