Inter Lagos FC’s coach, Gabriel Ezema has rolled out a massive gameplan, which he believes would help his team gain promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Read Also: Amputee Football Federation Receives More Accolades For Promoting Nigeria’s Image
The man fondly called ‘Gabbe’ stated as much after his side pulled off a stunning 2-0 win over visiting Ijebu United on Sunday and placed second in their group of the lower cadre Nigerian National League (NNL).
Ezema reckoned that picking the play-off ticket at first attempt was due reward to him and his players, after their spirited efforts in several weeks of hard work.
Although Inter Lagos finished behind their local rivals, Ikorodu City, in their segment of the NNL, Coach Gabbe insisted that his side have what it takes to reach the top-flight division in their debut season.
With that target in mind, Ezema stressed that they need to commence special preparations that would put them in great stead to overcome the potentially tough obstacles they will tango in the NNL Super-8.
He added: “It’s a very good experience for me. It’s a wonderful thing for us to be able to achieve this. No one expected us to achieve this, especially for the way we started the season. But, gradually, we continued to build our capacity and our confidence.
“Thanks also to the management for trusting in us and the team. I think that a lot of consistency, a lot of hard work, really played out for us, and it’s a positive one for us.”
Ezema further disclosed that he and his players were never under pressure while the regular season lasted and declared that it is the same mentality that they will take into the Super-8.
“We were not under any kind of pressure because we had our future in our hands. All we needed to do was just to make sure we won the last game. Once we did that, regardless of what happened elsewhere, it would be immaterial.
“We had to focus, try to build confidence of the team, and reduce pressure on the players because pressure doesn’t give you any result.
“We never pray to panic, but we play to win games, and we had to focus fully on winning them. That is what is vital for us, as we head into the Super-8. One step at a time.
“We have finished second on the table, the Super-8 is in front of us. We just want to focus and continue to improve.
“We are positive that we will make it to the premier league. It is not rocket science, it is not impossible. We’ll do all our best to make sure we get promotion in our debut season.”
