Giant Brillars FC of Enugu have set in motion an elaborate scheme that will help them unseat the current top two teams in the lower division Nigerian National League (NNL).
Heading into the last month of the NNL’s regular fixtures, local rivals, Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos FC are locked neck-to-neck as joint-first, but Giant Brillars’ youngster, Basit Olaniyi says he and his teammates are determined to upset the apple cart.
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Incidentally, Olaniyi cut his football teeth playing at the grassroots in Lagos and knows both top teams very well, but while his side currently six seventh on the log, he insists the Coal City outfit can still turn things round.
With a massive swoop now on his mind, Olaniyi rolled out a progressive game plan and psychology that could make things happen for Giant Brillars in their remaining matches of the regular campaign.
He cited a stunning 2-1 win against their hosts, Trade Safe FC of Lagos this past Friday as an indication of Giant Brillars’ determination to turn around the tide, and predicted a similar feat will happen when they visit Ikorodu City in one of their remaing two away fixtures.
Olaniyi reflected on his side’s latest win, which he attributed to sheer determination and strategic focus on the part of the squad, then added a spiritual angle which he believes will eventually see them through to the NNL Super-6.
He recounted, “We came for three points, and we came to conquer. All thanks to God; we came, we saw, and then we were able to conquer.
“We were both in relegation zone, and we needed these three points to move forward.”
He then outlined the method of approach that Giant Brillars will use in staging a bold challenge for a spot in the Super-6.
“We have two more home games and two away, but this was a very important victory for us,” Olaniyi expatiated.
“We still need to win one of our away games. One of them will be against Ikorodu City in Lagos, and we hope to win.
“One of the two away games is very important for us, and we need the maximum points. We need to win so that we can still move forward.”
He concluded with a look at his personal trajectory in the Enugu-based club’s squad, as he gave thanks to God and his coach for the progress he has been able to achieve since joining the team.
“All thanks to my coach for giving me the opportunity to play this game. At the start of this season, I was the third choice, but, luckily, I was opportune to play this game today, and this is my third game of the season.
“All thanks to God, I came back to Lagos, and I was able to conquer again. It is not easy to come to someone’s home and get maximum three points.
“It is not by my power, not by my might, but by the spirit of the Almighty God. I thank Him for giving us the grace to win this game,” Olaniyi eulogised.
He added that he is now looking forward to more playing time in the squad, especially as his side may need his knowledge of Lagos football in their quest to upstage the top two clubs on the NNL’s current log.
