There are victories worth three points, and there are victories that announce genuine title ambitions.
On Sunday in the Ijebu Premier League, Kiraa Football Academy delivered the latter.
Inspired by a sensational hat-trick from Emmanuel Ben, Kiraa FA defeated Dominion Pacers 3-2 in one of the most entertaining fixtures of the season, bringing an end to Dominion’s impressive run and reminding the rest of the league that they remain serious contenders.
From the opening whistle, Emmanuel Ben looked determined to make an impact.
The striker needed just seven minutes to put Kiraa ahead, finishing confidently after an incisive attacking move. Before Dominion could recover, he struck again midway through the first half, giving Kiraa a deserved two-goal cushion and placing the visitors firmly in control.
If Dominion Pacers had planned a second-half response, those plans were disrupted almost immediately.
Barely a minute after the restart, Emmanuel Ben completed his hat-trick in the 46th minute, becoming one of the few players this season to register a league hat-trick and putting Kiraa firmly in command of the contest.
At 3-0, the match appeared beyond Dominion’s reach.
But the Pacers refused to give in.
League standout Ibidunni Olayinka reduced the deficit shortly after halftime before Aregbeshola Faruq added a second goal in the 63rd minute, setting up a tense finish as Dominion threw everything forward in pursuit of an equaliser.
Wave after wave of attacks tested the Kiraa defence, but the academy side stood firm. Organised defending, disciplined positioning, and determined last-ditch interventions ensured Kiraa protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle to seal one of their biggest wins of the campaign.
For his outstanding individual display, Emmanuel Ben was deservedly named Man of the Match, capping a memorable afternoon in which his clinical finishing proved the difference between the two sides. His three goals not only secured all three points for Kiraa FA but also produced one of the finest individual performances seen in this season’s Ijebu Premier League.
Beyond the three points, the victory sends a strong message to the rest of the league. Defeating one of the competition’s most prolific attacking sides underlines Kiraa Football Academy’s credentials as genuine title contenders as the race for the championship continues to intensify.
For Dominion Pacers, the defeat will be disappointing, especially after mounting an impressive second-half comeback. Despite scoring twice and creating several chances, they were ultimately undone by Emmanuel Ben’s ruthless finishing and Kiraa’s defensive resilience.
As the Ijebu Premier League continues to deliver thrilling football week after week, Sunday’s encounter will be remembered as one of the season’s standout fixtures—a match defined by quality, intensity, drama, and a remarkable individual performance.
On this occasion, the spotlight belonged entirely to Emmanuel Ben.
Three goals.
Three points.
Man of the Match.
A performance that will be remembered as one of the defining displays of the 2026 Ijebu Premier League season.
