The latest round of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixtures saw several teams battling for crucial points, with coaches sharing their thoughts on their teams’ performances.
Abia Warriors Coach Reflects on Tough Draw
Abia Warriors’ head coach, Imama Amakpakabo, praised his team’s discipline after their draw against Sunshine Stars. He highlighted the challenge of the match but remained pleased with the result, while also pointing out that more work is needed to convert the chances created.
“Another point on the road, tough as it is,” Amakpakabo told the media. “We were able to keep our heads and maintain our organization. Now, we must focus on improving our finishing.”
Ikorodu City’s Coach Sees Positives in Draw
Bright Ozebagbe, head coach of Ikorodu City, was optimistic after his team’s goalless draw against Kwara United. He described it as a step forward, especially following their rest period after a challenging match in Kano.
“We approached this game with a different strategy and came out with a point,” Ozebagbe said. “It’s a good result, and we are hopeful for our next match against Rangers.”
Kwara United’s Coach Criticizes Selfish Play
Tunde Sanni, Kwara United’s coach, expressed frustration with his players after their draw against Ikorodu City. According to him, his team’s over-eagerness to score led to selfish play that deviated from their tactical preparation.
“My players were too eager to score and ended up playing selfishly. This wasn’t part of our game plan,” Sanni explained.
Sunshine Stars Disappointed with Refereeing
Sunshine Stars’ head coach, Kennedy Boboye, expressed his disappointment over their draw with Abia Warriors. He was particularly critical of the officiating, citing two disallowed goals and a penalty not awarded to his team.
“It’s still a mystery how two goals were disallowed. We’ve moved on and are now focused on our next game against Akwa United,” Boboye stated.
Niger Tornadoes Coach Celebrates Victory
Niger Tornadoes’ head coach, Majin Mohammed, hailed his team’s tactical execution after their victory over Plateau United. He praised the defense for their strong performance and commended the overall effort of his players.
“Our strategy worked perfectly. We knew Plateau United would come hard at us, but our defense was rock-solid, and the win is a reward for the team’s determination,” Mohammed remarked.
Katsina United Content with Away Draw
Katsina United was pleased with their goalless draw against Heartland, viewing it as a valuable point earned away from home. Despite missed chances, the team remained positive about their performance and their prospects for the season.
“A valuable point secured away from home,” the club posted on social media, reflecting the satisfaction with the result.
The NPFL continues to deliver intense matches, with coaches and teams working to find the right balance as the season progresses.