NAN-H-131
Victory
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 11, 2017 (NAN) Yaw Preko, the Assistant Coach of Ifeanyi Ubah FC said in Abuja on Wednesday that character and determination were key to his team’s victory against Rangers FC of Enugu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that 10-man FC Ifeanyi Ubah defeated Enugu Rangers International 4-3 on penalties to clinch the 2017 Charity Cup in Abuja.
Preko said his men played to instruction after his team was a man short.
Ifeanyi Ubah’s left back, Kojo Baah was shown a second yellow card toward the end of the first half for unsporting behaviour.
“It’s my first game in charge today and I am very excited.
“We have played Rangers twice; we beat them 2-0 in Nnewi and we lost 1-0 in Enugu. So, winning the cup against them today is indeed a great achievement for us.
“My boys played to instruction and that was key to our victory.
“After Baah was shown the red card, I encouraged the boys and told them not to panic but rather be calm as we were still in the game.
“They listened and played for each other and ensured that Baah’s absence was not felt.
“We thank God for this victory and hope we can translate our winning mentality into the new league season.
Reacting to Imama Amapakabo, Coach of Enugu Rangers’ post match comment about the poor condition of the pitch, Preko said,
“I can’t speak for him, but all I can say is that the condition of the pitch affected us too.
“So, it is not an excuse. We came here to play and at the end they were one man more than us but we still came out victors”, he said.
NAN reports that the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League kicks off on Saturday with Kano Pillars playing hosts to Ifeanyi Ubah at the Sani Abacha Township Stadium. (NAN)
VO/IEA
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Edited by Idahosa Asowata