Abakaliki, Nigeria – Coach of Abakaliki Football Club of Ebonyi, Ifeanyi Onyedika (MON), says his
team intends to maintain its winning tempo after pipping Gateway FC of Abeokuta 1-0, in a Nigeria National League (NNL) match.
The lone goal of the match played at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium Abakaliki on Saturday, was scored by Ifeanyi Ezema in the first half via a penalty.
Onyedika, an AFCON 1980 winner with the then Green Eagles, said that despite the win, the team still had a lot to do to achieve the required level of performance.
“We would keep fighting to win every match and that is the spirit that would continue seeing us through.
“A win is very important at this level and we would always strive to win all our matches – home or away.”
Coach of Gateway FC, Festus Allen, said the team would work on both the positives and negatives noticed from the loss.
“I will not disclose the positives and negatives so that out next opponents would not exploit them.
“I have reviewed our performance and will strive to make the team stronger in subsequent matches,” he promised, stopping short of condemning the level of officiating.
Richard Idike, Ebonyi Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, said the state’s team should be commended for giving its best on the pitch.
“You can see that we have good players who need time to blend.
“We commenced as a team few weeks to the NNL kick off,” he said, begging the fans to continue encouraging the players to perform better.
The win gave Abakaliki FC 10 points from nine matches.
