NAN-S-1
Pre-season
By Vezi Isike
Lagos, Feb. 7, 2017 (NAN) Football coaches on Tuesday applauded the leadership of the South-West States Football Forum (SWSFF) for organising a pre-season tournament for Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs in the zone.
The coaches told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos where the competition is holding that the tournament was a laudable initiative which would prepare the clubs for the season.
Samuel Abimbola, Head Coach, Gateway United FC, said that he was impressed with SWSFF’s decision to organise the tournament.
According to him, the idea gives players the true picture of the strength and capacity of other teams as well as an idea of what the major competition entails.
“Organising this pre-season is a very welcome idea because it affords us the opportunity to examine our teams closely and correct the wrongs so that we can become better not only for the sake of winning tournaments.
“I advise other teams to leverage on this medium to rate the football intellect of their new players and also assess the fitness level of the old ones,’’ he said.
The Chief Coach, Ikorodu United, Sakiru Giwa, pleaded with stakeholders to support the initiative and not treat it with levity since it was not the main competition.
“I must commend the Seyi Akinwunmi-led SWSFF for organising this pre-season games for us, it is going to afford us the chance to look at the gray areas in our teams and make notable corrections before the commencement of the league.
“We must do everything within our reach to sustain the preseason tournament because it will aid teams in their preparations for the league,’’ Giwa said.
Meanwhile, Gateway United is topping Group B with 4 points after two rounds of matches having beaten AS Racine FC 2-1 in Match Day 2 of the pre-season.
Earlier, Gateway FC drew their first match against Osun United FC, while AS Racine FC draw their first match against another Lagos NNL side, My People FC.
Crown FC of Ogbomoso earlier on Tuesday defeated Ikorodu United FC 3-1 in a Group A match, to remain on top of the log. (NAN)
VOI/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)