The first round performance of Kogi United FC in the ongoing Nigeria National League has been commended by club Chairman, Abdul Adama.
Adama who stated this after Kogi United lost 1-0 to TEAP FC in the Week 15 encounter in Abuja noted that his team’s dominant performance was a consolation for the match, adding that his Boys would get better in their next game.
“Its a bit painful we lost because we expected to get a better result here and end this round on a sound note, we dominated the larger part of the game, and as you can see, the water-logged pitch was not good for us to enjoy the game, but I really can’t help it, football has always being like this, I don’t want to blame anybody for the loss.”
Defeat to TEAP ended a run of five match unbeaten for the Wada Boys in all competitions and also signaled the end of first stanza of the league.
Abdul Adama who is also the Special adviser to Kogi State Governor on Public Private Partnership, PPP said Kogi United have lived up to expectation with their performance just as he hoped for better outing in the last round of the league.
“No regrets with our first round performance, I’m ok with our results, for a team that has played double away in the first round, I think we should be commended, this is just the half way trip, We can still get better. We will continue to try to making it right,” said Adama.
Sharing the same sentiment with Adama, Acting Head Coach of Kogi United, Yinka Kelvin said the pitch also contributed to his club’s loss to TEAP.
Kelvin, who is fondly called “Number One” gave kudos to his boys’ display after losing his first game in charge of Wada Boys as acting coach just as he declared that the club would make adjustment in some department to improve their performance in the second round.
He lauded the NNL for an improved program this season but charged them to look into situation of pitches used as home games by some clubs in the league.
“I think we’ve tried, we’ve come a long way and I really commend the players for their commitment and attitude, I do hope they will improve on their performance more for the second round”
“Yes we are going to make few adjustments in the team, especially in our defense and attack, those are the major areas we are lacking depth and we do hope the few changes would help us to end well.”
“I think the NNL board have done well this season, especially with their calendar, the fixtures have been properly followed, but they can still do more to improve the league, I hope they will also do something about some league venues, I believe if we want our league to be more attractive, approval given to some pitches like Old Parade Ground in Abuja and Hadeija Stadium among others needs to be revisited.”
Kogi United recorded seven wins, one draw and lost seven games giving them 22 points from 15 games.
The second round of the NNL is expected to resume on May 24 when Kogi United will host TEAP FC in Lokoja.
