Abdul Maikaba, Head Coach of Wikki Tourists, has explained why his team settled for a goalless draw against Doma United in their Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Promotion Playoffs clash on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba — despite creating a number of decent scoring opportunities in the gritty contest, Completesports.com reports.
Maikaba, a former Kano Pillars, Akwa United and Plateau United gaffer, told reporters after the ‘Derby clash’ that his side faced a physically strong opponent and that his players were ‘anxious’ and in a ‘hurry’ to play, hence they failed to make the right decisions in the final third.
“The boys were too anxious to score. They wanted to see the ball in the back of the net. That’s why they weren’t taking the right decisions at the right moments in the final third,” Maikaba said.
Wikki Toursists Regrouping To Secure Victory Over Barau FC – Maikaba
The former classroom teacher turned coach further revealed that the outcome of the match was not surprising to him, stating that he had anticipated a tough battle even before kick-off. He is however confident that his team will beat Barau FC today [Monday, 7 July].
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“Right from the onset, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. This is because all the eight teams here are competing to qualify for the NPFL,” Maikaba added.
NNL Super 8 Northern Conference Playoffs Still Wide Open – Maikaba
All two fixtures in the Northern Conference Playoffs – Barau FC vs Yobe Dessert Stars and Wikki Toursists Vs Doma United – ended in draws on the opening day on Saturday, leaving all four teams with everything to play for on matchday two.
“So, what do you expect in the first game? Everybody gave their all. There’s no winner yet after the first round of matches in our group. It still remains an open contest.
“Every team still has an equal chance. But I do believe that we will restrategise ahead of our second game [Vs Barau FC] on Monday to ensure we come out victorious, because winning is what earns you the ticket to the NPFL.”
Maikaba acknowledged Doma United’s strength and bemoaned his team’s inability to convert their scoring opportunities.
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“Today, we faced a very strong and physical side. Unfortunately, my boys missed so many chances. It’s unfortunate, but we’ll correct it in the next game.”
Wikki Toursists Prioritise Goal-Scoring
Vs Barau FC
Maikaba admitted that converting chances will be key to securing maximum points in their second match against Barau Footbal Club.
“Actually, missing scoring chances is part of football. Sometimes, you miss them. No player goes into a match intending to miss chances,” he said.
“And no player is ever happy missing opportunities. But sometimes you miss, and sometimes you score.
“I’ll work on that going into our next match, so we can convert our chances and win,” Maikaba concluded.
By Sab Osuji
