Zudachi Construction coach Shepherd Amariegbu has expressed confidence in his team’s chances of retaining the Island AllStars PatrickLingo Super League title after beginning their campaign with a convincing 4–2 victory over Remed Healthcare at the Lagos Business School.
Zudachi Construction produced an impressive display in the league opener, with Izuchukwu Agada scoring twice to help secure the maximum three points and earn the team a positive start to their title defence.
Speaking exclusively to SPORTS247 after the encounter, Amariegbu described the victory as an exciting moment while praising the collective effort of his players.
“It feels exciting. Starting the competition with a victory is by the grace of God and through the collective effort of the team, led by the captain.
Honestly, I am overwhelmed with joy. We have secured our first three points, and there are still nine games to go. It is a positive start, and we hope to build on it as the competition progresses,” he said.
The coach attributed his tactical effectiveness to continuous learning and a deliberate effort to improve his understanding of the game.
“It comes down to continuous learning and studying the game. I run a football academy, and I also make time to study coaching methods and improve my knowledge, even while serving as the club’s president. I believe that the moment you stop learning, you begin to decline,” Amariegbu explained.
Having guided his team to the title in the previous edition, the coach made it clear that retaining the trophy remains the primary objective.
“In the previous edition, my team won the title, and we are the defending champions. We have started another campaign, and our objective is to retain the title. I am also a title-winning coach in the Above-45 Football Tournament,” he added.
For Amariegbu, effective coaching goes beyond tactics, with player management playing a crucial role in building a successful team.
“As a coach, you must know how to manage different players, and that is where game management becomes important. Every player has a unique personality, and understanding those differences helps you manage the team effectively.”
The defending champions coach also acknowledged the pressure that comes with being the team to beat.
“I have respect for every team in the competition, but I have even greater confidence in my own team. Our objective is to secure victory in every match we play,” he said.
“As defending champions coach, we understand that we are a team others will be looking to beat. I am also an award-winning coach, and we are determined to prove ourselves once again. I want to defend the title and achieve that ambition together as a team.”
Amariegbu also commended the Sports Management Committee for its contribution to the tournament’s growth.
“I commend the Sports Management Committee—SMC—for doing an excellent job. Every year, the committee introduces something new to improve the competition, and that spirit of innovation deserves recognition.”
He further praised the executive leadership of Island AllStars Sports Club International, led by High Chief Kenneth Okeke, for its commitment to the continued development of the competition.
With three points already secured, Amariegbu and his Zudachi Construction side will now turn their attention to the remaining fixtures as they pursue another successful PatrickLingo Super League campaign.
