Despite
losing the title to England’s Arsenal, head coach of Kebbi Beach Soccer Club,
Abdullahi Isa has described his side’s first ever international outing at the
Copa Lagos 2017 as an ‘unforgettable’ experience.
The Kebbi
Fishers defeated Gidi Sharks 9-4 and Pepsi Football Academy 8-3 to garner six
points but lost the trophy to the European side on head-to-head rule no thanks
to their opening day 11-9 loss. And the former Nigeria international
insists his side’s impressive show and second place finish was a rewarding
debut, which he vowed to build on.
He
thanked his players for their spirited display to record back-to-back wins
after the loss to Arsenal as well as sponsors, people and government Kebbi
State.
“It was a
good outing for us. Though we lost our first game but we responded well by
winning our remaining two matches,” Isa said.
“It was not easy for the boys,
they really fought hard and I am proud of their performance. They played
clearly to instructions in our last two games and there was no surprise we won
.
“We only had three weeks in camp for
a tasking competition of this magnitude and I’m pleased with the attitude and
potentials we have in the team. We have a good team for the future and
I’m sure with better preparation and exposure like this, we can beat any team.
“I must say thank you to the people
of Kebbi and Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his incredible support. Same
goes to all individuals and firms that supported our campaign at Copa Lagos,”
he concluded.
On Sunday, a brace from Frank
Dozie and four-star Emmanuel Tanko helped the Kebbi Fishers crush their
Nigerian foe to finish second in the four-team club challenge behind eventual
champions Arsenal at the Eko Atlantic.
Kebbi’s top scorer Dozie fired the
northern side in front before Tanko inspired a 3-2 narrow lead in the
first period, while the cagey second period saw both teams managing only a goal
apiece for 4-3.
In the final third, Tanko and Dozie
ruthlessly combined well to ensure the debutants gained four massive goals to
outnumber the English side, which defeated Gidi Sharks 9-5 on the same day.
Reacting on their feat, team’s
chairman, Mahmud Hadejia said, “I am not disappointed at all and would
appreciate the players and officials take the outcome of the event in good
faith. It was our first ever outing in any competition outside Kebbi
State and we really proved our mettle.
“I wish to appreciate the organisers
for the privilege they gave us to feature in the competition will be highly
cherished. We hope to have won the tournament with the good performance of our
players.”
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