President 36 Lion Football Club, Alhaji Gafar Liameed, says Kwara United must work hard to get a result from his rookies on Sunday’s make or burst Group B game in the 8th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.
Kwara United who lost to Remo Stars on Friday must beat 36 Lion to stand a chance of qualifying to the semi-final as they have 3points from two matches while the rookie side is yet to score a goal let alone record a point.
“We had hoped to win the Ogunjobi Gold Cup but now that we’ve lost two games, there’s no realistic chance for us getting to the semi-finals.
“However, we’ll prepare well for the Kwara United game on Sunday and of course give them a good run for their money.”
On his team’s recruitment successes.
“Our scouting programme is the best in Nigeria as we have coaches in all states in Nigeria. That’s why we have a Gambo, Chibueike, Mayowa in our team. We are Lion and also Mr. Nigeria.
“Once we scout a good player, he definitely will be moved to Lagos likewise his studies, for us education is key. If he’s also between the age of 14 and 16, his parents consent all that we need to get things going for him.
“If 36 Lion was playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), surely these set of rookies will be the ones playing. We are not after wins but the experience.
“The average age of the team is between 15 and 17, so we encourage them to bring out their best as they could compete with men.
“They can see the likes Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) or Ansu Fati (Barcelona) on television showing their football skills, they too can do it.”
On his team’s debut in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tourney.
“The platform has been a golden experience to the team. It’s good in the sense that it has exposed my players, so our participation will now be yearly.”
