Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Ogenyi: Ranger, Lobi Star game like 'war'

 

By Rasaq Oboirien
EVANS Ogenyi says his Lobi Stars squad will approach the rescheduled Matchday 8 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) tie against Rangers with a zeal to claim a point, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.
In his post-match chat: "It's like a double away games for us, we'll prepare for the game with all seriousness. I would say that we are going to 'war', so it will not be wise to reveal my game plans. I just want to keep it to my chest and by Tuesday, train with the players then on Wednesday unveil it to the starting eleven."
Ogenyi, who won the Coac-Cola FA Cup and Charity Cup for Ocean Boys in 2008, led the Food Basket Team to gaining its second point on the road after they shared the spoils with Remo Stars of Sagamu on Matchday 9.
It was his first task as acting technical adviser in the absence of suspended Godwin Koko Uwa.
"As coach who knows his onions, after the responsibility fell on my shoulders after my boss was suspended by the Lobi Stars management, I had to prepare the team in company of the other assistants with a goal to getting a result against Remo Stars.
"When we got here, the other coaches and I had to psyche the players up, telling them to play to win after our last training session at the Gateway Stadium. The game was a tough one I must say, as no team in the NPFL is a pushover. 
"We conceded a goal in the first half, we responded immediately but Remo Stars had their goalkeeper to thank for the save off Okpotu's point blank shot.
"During the half time team talk in the dressing room, I told my players that we can win the game if we take our chances and play with caution, am delighted that we got the equalizing goal four minutes after play resumed in the second half.
"I feel elated, not just me, the whole team. I really would have been very happy if we had got the maximum 3points if my played had converted the half chances that came their way in the closing seconds of the game.
"The point we have got against Remo Stars means a lot to us. If you recall, last season Lobi Stars lost out in the spot for a continental ticket 2points behind 3placed Wikki Tourists of Bauchi after we came 5th on the log. 
"The expectations from our fans is so much that they are charging us on to get at least a continental ticket. 
"The season is a marathon, so the more points a team gets on the road will definitely count before the league gets to its climax."