NPFL shift blessing for us, says coaches News

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NPFL shift blessing for us, says coaches

By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 25, 2023

Nigeria Professional Football League coaches are pleased with the Interim Management Committee’s decision to postpone the league resumption date of the incoming NPFL season by two weeks, The PUNCH reports.

The IMC had originally set August 26 as the kickoff date for the new 2023/24 NPFL season, but it was extended to September 8.

According to a statement released by the IMC, the reason for the extension is to properly prepare for a full season, since it won’t be played in an abridged format.

The IMC added that the move was also to avoid a clash of match schedules due to teams competing in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup and also give time to the newly launched NPFL live application, which was unveiled last week.

Speaking with The PUNCH, Shooting Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, believes the postponement of the league’s kick-off will help his team blend better.

“Well, it depends on so many factors but for me, it has given me an opportunity to further impact my ideas on my team, on how we want to play,” Ogunbote said.

“As a coach, it helped me provide my players with the best tools for them to grow together, feel better and start the season in perfect condition.

“We just have to be patient with the organisers of the league so they put the necessary facilities in place for a hitch-free league season.

“If they need some weeks to put cameras at match venues it’s welcome as we are all looking forward to a great season.”

New Kano Pillars manager Abdul Maikaba also believes the postponement is a good omen for his side.

Pillars gained promotion back to the NPFL this term, after they were relegated at the end of the 2021/22 season.

“I think it’s a blessing in disguise for me personally because it gives me ample opportunity to work with my team more because we have a tough task ahead of us primarily to stay up and see if we can finish in the top half of the league.

“If the postponement will give the LMC enough time to put things in place for the growth of the league, I’m in support of it.”

Also, former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, who was recently appointed by Abia Warriors their keepers’ trainer, stated, ”We just have to wait till when the organisers say they are ready to start the season, but I think it gives me time to work with my team.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 25, 2023