Head Coach of Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin, Abdullahi Biffo, on Sunday said his side’s goalless draw with Heartland FC of Owerri was their worst performance so far this season.
A seemingly-frustrated Biffo said this while reacting to the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 15 game played at the Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin.
He however pointed out that the result was a temporary setback in their season’s aspirations, adding that it was just match 15 out of 38.
“This match has showed us that we are not there yet. We took the game lightly in the first half.
“But we have to keep supporting the players. They did their best today. This is the time they need us most. Psychologically we have to be ready for the next game.
“We are used to winning from the bench but that didn’t work out today” Biffo said.
Speaking also, his Heartland FC counterpart, Fidelis Ilechukwu, described the match as a good one.
He said his team had planned to at least get a draw from the game.
Ilechukwu said he followed the analysis of the media crew of Kwara United which revealed that Heartland FC had not lost in Ilorin in the last eight years.
“This kind of analysis gives you confidence to come into the game and get something.
“Today they (Kwara United) did all they can to win. But it happens in football when you try to win and you do not win,” the coach said.
One of the few goalscoring chances the hosts created but failed to convert was in the 13th minute.
This was when Michael Ohanu slightly failed to meet with Taiwo Salaudeen’s perfect cross.
Stephen Jude ‘s shot also hit the upright, with goalkeeper Chijioke Ejiogu tracking back on time to scoop Ohanu’s follow-up shot in the 28th minute.
Christopher Nwaeze should have put Kwara United ahead in the 38th minute when he capitalised on Ejiogu’s miscalculated attempt to punch Kalu Nweke’s corner-kick.
But he instead placed his shot wide from close range.
One minute into the added three minutes before the break, Ejiogu was in the right place at the right time to deal with Nweke’s shot at close range.
This was after a beautiful team play by the home side.
Nwaeze in the 58th minute slightly headed Nweke’s corner-kick, but Ejiogu again stood firm to make a vital save.
Heartland came out stronger in the late part of the match, threatening Kwara United each time they surged forward.
But they failed to produce a shot on target throughout the duration of the match.
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