The head coach of 36 Lion FC of Lagos, Akinsola Akinrele has submitted that he and his players will have to chase a consolation third place finish at this year’s edition of Supremacy Cup, Sports247 reports.
‘Coach Ekine’ and the club’s team manager, Kazeen Omotisho had initially fired up their players to clinch a spot in the final, but that fell flat after they failed to win their last group match on Wednesday at Legacy Pitch of Lagos National Stadium, Surulere.
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Captain of the side, Ineye Hitler could only marshal the squad into a late equaliser that fetched them a 2-2 draw with Ikorodu City, but that meant they had to settle for second place in their group.
Consequently, ‘Coach Arigo’ will now have to spur his wards into victory on Thursday, in order to win the third place match against giant t killing Tripple 44 FC of Ogun State, who caused a major stir in what is their first appearance in the competition.
Dramatically, 36 Lion are yet to win this prestigious competition that is bankrolled by their founder and chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Hajj Gafar Olawale Liameed, which means they have to wait yet another year in order to break the jinx.
On the other hand, the defending champions, Beyond Limit Football Academy of Ikenne will get a chance to keep the trophy for another year as they tango Ikorodu City in Thursday’s final, which is expected to be watched by a full house of football fans, media men, administrators, ex-players, coaches and foreign scouts.
However, the holders are bound to face stiff opposition from Ikorody City’s B-squad, who have been boosted with huge promises given by their chairman, Sanmi Doherty during a visit to their camp at Teslim Balogum Stadium hostels.
With high expectations rolling in the squad, the joint-head coaches of what was described as Ikorodu City’s B-team, Adebayo Bello (General) and Emmanuel Otukpe believe the side captained by Chiemere Eseka is good enough to win the cup.
“We are here to prove a point, just as our main team is also doing in the Nigerian Premier League,” the duo of head coaches told Sports247
