Enugu Rangers coach Abdul Maikaba has praised his players for their fantastic performance against Akwa United on Sunday.
Enugu Rangers won their third away game in a row with a swashbuckling 3-0 triumph at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
Sam Pam, Chidibere Nwobodo, and substitute Shedrack Aseigbu scored three goals in the second half to give Maikaba’s team all three points and a boost to third place with 31 points from 18 games.
During the postmatch press conference, the Gaffer stated that the result was timely for his team, who are vying for a European spot.
The former Akwa United coach stated that he would have loved his team to defeat a team other than the Uyo-based outfit.
“Actually, I’m really pleased with the result, but I would have preferred it against a different team away from home.”
I’m still thinking about Akwa United, and I don’t think they’re an awful team.
What I’ve seen here is a group of young guys that will need some time to gel, but I feel they are capable.
“This loss should not deter them, and I congratulate my boys on their outstanding performance.”
Because Akwa had 27 points before the game and we had 28, it was critical for us to find these three points.
Winning the game puts either of us in third place, and I want my team to be in the continental slot at all times, and I believe I’ve accomplished that with this outcome.”
When asked about the game, Maikaba stated that his team was able to better utilize their opportunities.
“As a result, even if we didn’t take them, we made our own opportunities.”
‘Guys, if they can create opportunities, we can create chances,’ I reminded my boys during halftime.
It indicates that anyone can win, so let’s score first.’
Because they were at home, I assume they were under duress.
That is exactly what occurred.”
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The Flying Antelopes have been impressive on the road this season, winning 14 of a possible 27 points, and Maikaba, the former Akwa United coach, attributed his team’s success to their ability to concede fewer goals.
“I said, ‘Let me build this team on defense,’ and that’s why we’re the team with the fewest goals conceded.'”
We have only allowed seven goals in 18 games, which is excellent.
We don’t score a lot, but on a good day, we can score a lot.”
“It is, in fact, a fact.
Any team that knows how to play football would do well on this pitch, and that is why I came to Akwa United.
When I took over as coach of Akwa United in 2017, I stated that with this pitch, I would be able to teach any form of football, including beautiful football. “I’m happy even though I told my boys during the checkup yesterday (Saturday) that with this field, I don’t see us not playing well, but the result is another story.”
I’ll blame you people for not playing good on this surface,” he continued.
Enyimba, Wikki Tourists, Akwa United, and the national U17 squad have all been coached by the 57-year-old.
