Spartans FC of Agege’s coach, Abeeb Ibrahim has revealed the strategy that helped his side pull off a mammoth 6-1 trouncing of Alimcity FA on the first day of the new season in Nationwide League One (NLO).
The huge victory took the Spartans top of the table at the end of all matches at Maracana Stadium, in the Olodi Apapa area of Ajegunle, Lagos and Coach Abeeb disclosed that it was because he saw two other teams win big before his squad entered the pitch.
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First Bank started the rain of goals with a 5-1 mauling of Collins Edwin Sports Club at the refurbished expansive arena bordering Cowrie Creek, followed by a 5-2 win for Real Sapphire over AS Racines.
Spartans’ gaffer admitted those results inspired him to fire up his boys and he charged them to go all out for a massive win because goal difference could determine the NLO’s final standings at the end of the season.
He disclosed further that he is now planning how to maintain the top spot all through the campaign, but conceded that it would depend on full focus and the fitness levels of his players, as well as favour from God.
Abeeb retorted, “It’s a very good start, and that’s what we have been hoping for. We hoped for a very good start.
“When you start well, it’s like you have even won the other matches, and you are building confidence in your players.
“So, this 6-1, I believe, will give us a good continuation in the league. Winning the first game is very important, and that’s what we bargained for.”
The excited tactician then expatiated the strategy he used to get the heavy win, saying, “We came into this game with a plan to win and win well. I told my boys that we just had to win big.
“Before we got to the venue, we heard that First Bank won 5-1 and, with my own eyes, I saw Real Sapphire win 5-2. So, I told my boys that we just had to outscore those numbers.
“We had to win with big numbers or nothing else. I told them that goals are going to determine many things shortly of this season. That’s why we just had to win big against Alimcity.”
He concluded with his plan to consolidate on Saturday’s victory, adding: “Now we are going to try and win one game after the other. I’m very happy that we are number one on the table.
“I am hoping that we keep this pace, and I believe, with the strength of the players, with hard work and prayers, by God’s grace, definitely we’ll remain on the top. I’m very optimistic.”
