Former Concord FC of Abeokuta and NITEL United of Lagos coach, Solomon Adeshina (aka Scala) has downplayed the import of victory that his youth club got over a school football team on Thursday.
Scala’s boys won the match 2-0 against Will-B Excellence Secondary School, Ikotun at Amputee Football Pitch of Lagos National Stadium.
However, rather than celebrate the victory elaborately, he humbly walked over to the opponents’ corner and gave them a short lesson in football career development.
The renowned tactician, who is currently the president of Youth Football Academy Owners in Surulere, Lagos, said he was impressed that a school team gave his side a run for their money.
That was because both goals that gave his side victory actually came in the first ten minutes of play, after which the students from Ikotun appeared to settle down and keep things tight.
Their standout player was Victor Adeshola, who twinkled brightly along with skipper Ayomide Adeyemi and David Nnayere upfront.
Star performers in defence were Azeez Yusuf at left-back, Adeola Afolabi at right-back, as well as Franklyn Ojieh, Favour Philip, Mahfouz Oshodi and Michael Maduakor, who alternated in central defence.
Those who took turns in midfield included Kelechi Obinna, Christian Oyagwa, Daniel Aribatishe and Daniel Hassan, while Kelechi Ukwuije, Lateef Rabiu and Uzochukwu Nnabueyi stayed on the bench.
They had technical support from Coach Cannavaro Obaro, one of their teachers, Mr Basil Nwoye as well the non-playing duo of Kelechi Adeleye and Chibuike Ohalehi.
Among guests that watched the match were an ex-player Suker Olasunkanmi and well-acclaimed ball juggler, Moses Amata, who also gave the students success tips that should help them make the best of a career in football.
Afterwards, Coach Scala admitted he was very impressed by what he saw from the school team and enthused that he would love to see them beat his outfit one day.
The soft-spoken coach, who once handled the former school of ex-Super Eagles’ striker, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins to an international competition added that he saw it as an honour being able to host the match.
Although he partially admonished his players for failing to dominate against their less experienced visitors, Scala concluded with words of encouragement for the students from Ikotun.
“I am privileged to host such a collection of young talents we have seen in this match.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.”It’s true that you lost the match, but you took some steps forward. I want to see a situation in which you will come here again and beat my team.
“You came here today and you lost, the next time you can draw and then win the third time. That is how you grow in football.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.”You must also note that football is about teamwork and togetherness, but there is also the personal aspect, which depends on how well you groom yourself.
“You must be able to grow in order to get better. You need good ball control, determination and confidence in order to be a great and successful footballer,” Coach Scala concluded.