Before their encounter with First Bank FC in the semi-final of the Lagos State FA Cup, Ikorodu City head coach, Bright Ozegbagbei, issued a warning to his team, stressing the importance of treating their opponents with respect and not underestimating them based on their league status.
Coach Bright emphasized that despite First Bank FC competing in the lower division of the Nigerian football league system, they had earned their place in the semi-finals through their performance and deserved to be taken seriously.
“Our thoughts and our drive, what inspires us really don’t attain to what division the club to play is,” he stated. “For First Bank to be in the semi-finals, it means they must have been doing things right.”
Coach Bright reiterated his team’s approach of treating every opponent equally, regardless of their league status. “We take every game, every opponent as equal,” he affirmed. “So what league they play, it’s really not important. But the game on that day, we’re going to take them as equal with respect and of course we want to show quality.”
While acknowledging Ikorodu City’s strengths as an attacking and possessing team, Coach Bright emphasized the need to study and respect their opponents.
“On paper, you want to say that Ikorodu City has the edge,” he acknowledged.
“But again, every game comes with its challenges. We need to study the opponent, we need to respect, We need not to underrate.”
Following Coach Bright’s warnings, Ikorodu City went on to secure a convincing 3-0 victory over First Bank FC in the semi-final match, demonstrating their commitment to respecting all opponents and maintaining a professional approach to every game.
