Nigerian Striker Babatunde Adepoju Sets FDH Bank Cup Record with Four-Goal Blitz
Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju wrote his name into the history books of the FDH Bank Cup on Sunday, becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer with an astonishing 14 goals in just 11 appearances. His latest heroics came in a last 32 tie against Chilumba Barracks at Chitipa Stadium, where he fired four goals and provided an assist to power FCB Nyasa Big Bullets into the Round of 16.
Adepoju's Unstoppable Form
In a dominating display, Adepoju was unplayable, scoring twice in the first half and adding two more in the second period. His brace before halftime put The People's Team firmly in control, while his record-breaking haul lifted his FDH Cup tally to an unmatched 14 goals, surpassing the previous record set in 2021.
Bullets Seize Control in Chitipa
The game started with Chilumba Barracks showing early determination, but it was Bullets who seized control. A clever exchange between Wongani Lungu and Adepoju led to the opening goal in the 22nd minute, with the Nigerian forward slotting the ball into the far-right corner. Moments later, he turned provider, outmuscling his marker before setting up Chawanangwa Gumbo to make it 2-0.
Record-Breaking Haul
Adepoju's brace before halftime put Bullets in a commanding position. After the break, there was no stopping him. Paul Master provided the assist for his hat-trick goal on 56 minutes, and just two minutes later, Frank Willard set up his fourth goal, which carried historic weight. This lifted Adepoju's FDH Cup tally to 14 goals, making him the outright all-time top scorer.
Baba's Reaction
"It feels good to score four goals and provide an assist today," Adepoju said after the match. "We needed a reaction after last week's draw against Karonga, and I'm happy I could help the team win convincingly."
Collective Performance
Babatunde also reserved praise for his teammates, hailing the collective performance that dismantled the National Division League side. "They did exceptionally well," he added. "This was something we needed after last week's result, but that's gone. Today was about reacting, and we did so convincingly against Chilumba Barracks."
Looking Ahead
Bullets remain in Chitipa to face Chitipa United in the TNM Super League at the same venue on Saturday, before traveling to Karonga to take on Songwe Border United ahead of the international break. The striker believes the win will provide momentum as Bullets return to league action next weekend.
"Like I said, we needed a confidence booster," Adepoju stated. "We are done with this and now focus on our next league game. It will be a different match entirely, but I believe the players know what is at stake, and we will maintain the momentum."
With his record-breaking performance, Babatunde Adepoju has set the stage for a historic campaign in the FDH Bank Cup tournament. His consistent form and impressive goalscoring ability have cemented his place in tournament folklore.
Bullets' next league game against Chitipa United on Saturday marks an opportunity for the team to build on their recent success and maintain their momentum.
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Summary: Babatunde Adepoju, a Nigerian forward playing for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the FDH Bank Cup, set a new record for the most goals scored in the tournament's history with 14 goals in 11 appearances. He scored four goals and provided an assist in a 5-0 win over Chilumba Barracks in the last 32 round, leading his team to victory and cementing his place as the competition's all-time leading scorer. Adepoju was in dominant form, seizing control of the game early on and consistently finding the back of the net throughout the match. His performance was praised by his teammates and coach, who credited his efforts with providing a much-needed confidence boost for the team. Adepoju's record-breaking haul has set the stage for a historic campaign, and he will look to continue his impressive form as Bullets prepare to face Chitipa United in the TNM Super League and Songwe Border United ahead of the international break.