Enyimba FC head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has explained the tactical adjustments that helped his team earn a crucial draw against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan. The goalless result, achieved on Matchday 6 of the 2024/25 NPFL season, showcased Enyimba's resilience and smart approach to the game.
The People’s Elephants managed to hold their ground at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, extending their defensive streak to three consecutive league matches without conceding a goal. This solid run comes after their earlier defeat to Rivers United in Port Harcourt, and Olanrewaju credits his players for sticking to the plan, especially in a challenging environment like Ibadan.
Reflecting on the match, Olanrewaju revealed his mindset going into the game. “I knew it was going to be a tough game,” he said. “Last season, we won here, and I didn’t expect them to allow that to happen again easily. I had to prepare the boys mentally for the intensity of the match, knowing that the crowd would be a major factor.”
Olanrewaju’s strategy was built around neutralizing 3SC’s strengths by forcing them into uncomfortable situations. “We prepared for them to play long balls, and our focus was on picking up the second balls and catching them on the counter,” Olanrewaju explained. He noted that Enyimba came close to capitalizing on these opportunities but couldn’t convert them into goals.
When asked if his team was fortunate not to concede, Olanrewaju dismissed the idea, emphasizing that Enyimba actually created more dangerous chances. “We created more scoring opportunities; they didn’t create much except from set pieces,” he remarked. Despite 3SC’s pressure from corners and long balls, Olanrewaju was confident in his team's ability to manage those threats.
He also praised Shooting Stars for their performance, acknowledging the tough competition they posed. “They had a good game, a fantastic performance, but we were ready for them,” he said, expressing respect for the opponent while also highlighting the discipline and structure Enyimba brought to the game.
In the end, Olanrewaju’s tactical foresight and the team’s commitment ensured that Enyimba walked away with a valuable point, keeping their unbeaten streak against 3SC intact. The result further solidifies Enyimba’s position as a tough team to break down in the league.
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