NPFL Updates: Enyimba Coach Happy With Draw, Amokachi Expresses Optimism, See Others

Enyimba head coach Yemi Olanrewaju had positive words for his players following Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Shooting Stars in the NPFL.

Enyimba put up a strong defensive display to grab the draw which helped them to maintain their third position on the NPFL table, earning 13 points from six games so far this season.

“Yeah, it was a good game; I knew it was going to be a tough game,” Olanrewaju told the club’s media after the game.

“I told the boys, I had to preempt their mindset because last season when we came here, we won, and I don’t think they would close their eyes for it to happen again.

“So I knew we were going to play against everything, and that the crowd will be behind their team.

“And that’s exactly what happened, but we prepared for it, forcing them to play the long balls, then had to pick the second balls and try to catch them on the counter; one or two times, we got that, but we couldn’t capitalize on it.”

Enyimba will host Niger Tornadoes in their next NPFL match on Thursday.

Akwa United Coach Excited Over Rare Win

Akwa United assistant coach Umar Abdullahi described the team’s 2-0 win over Kano Pillars as a morale booster and emphasized the importance of building on the victory for a successful campaign in the 2024-25 NPFL season. The win marked Akwa United’s first victory in the NPFL this season.

“We are grateful that the needed boost we were expecting has finally come”, Abdullahi said.

“Honestly, it was frustrating playing five matches without a win, and in Sunday’s game, the boys approached the game with a winning mentality, and it paid off for us.

“I want to say that in the previous matches we played, goal scoring was a major challenge, and we noticed it, and we worked on that aspect of our game during our training sessions.”

The team will face the Rangers in their next NPFL game on Wednesday.

Niger Tornadoes Coach Not Happy With Draw

Niger Tornadoes head coach, Majin Mohammed, expressed disappointment following his team’s 1-1 draw against Lobi Stars.

Despite a good performance, Mohammed was concerned about the team’s inability to convert chances into goals, especially after dedicated training sessions on goal-scoring.

“We played very well, especially in the first half, we had our chances, but we couldn’t convert them; at this point am short of words about that because we held training sessions on goal scoring, but translating into match situations has always been the problem,” Mohammed told Niger Tornadoes media.

“Of course, I’m disturbed; as a human being, I have to; you can not be playing at your home, with a capacity crowd always coming to cheer you, looking for victory.

“Football is all about winning; no matter how well you play, the end always justifies the means.

“A point is better than none like I’ve always said; because Lobi Stars are at the bottom side of the table does not mean they are not a good side; they are parading experienced players in the team.

“We will continue to work until we get it right, especially at home.”

Daniel Amokachi Expresses Optimism

Lobi Stars head coach Daniel Amokachi remained optimistic despite the team’s slow start to the 2024-25 campaign. He praised the team’s performance in securing their first away point of the season after drawing 1-1 with Niger Tornadoes

“I’m very impressed with what I saw; it’s a process, and we’ll get it right soon,” Amokachi said.

Finidi George Hails Stephen Manyo

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George praised defender Stephen Manyo for his standout performance in the goalless draw against Katsina United.

“He had a fantastic game,” Finidi told the club’s media.

“The love shown to him from the onset motivated him, and he didn’t want to lose against his former club.

“I commend him for that; it’s not easy to play against your former team and excel.”