Doma United head coach Deji Ayeni has described his team’s 2-2 draw against Ikorodu City as a valuable point, insisting that there is still plenty to play for despite his side’s failure to secure maximum points at home in their NPFL Matchday 11 encounter.
Sports247 reports that the Gombe-based side came from behind to rescue a share of the spoils through Bitrus Philemon’s dramatic 97th-minute equaliser after Ikorodu City had taken an 85th-minute lead through Ujunwa Elijah.
Speaking after the encounter, Ayeni acknowledged his team’s struggles but maintained that avoiding defeat was important.
“One point is better than losing all three points,” the Doma United manager stated.
Ayeni Admits Team’s Chemistry Has Dropped
The coach admitted that Doma United have not maintained the level of performance they demonstrated at the beginning of the season.
He reflected on the team’s recent home performances, suggesting that the chemistry which previously made them competitive had temporarily disappeared.
“For a team that started brightly in the league, the chemistry just disappeared. Later, we will get it right,” Ayeni said.
Despite the setback, he expressed confidence that his players would rediscover their rhythm as the season progresses. Ayeni also acknowledged that his team showed quality during the encounter but failed to convert enough of their opportunities.
According to him, Doma United created opportunities and demonstrated attacking intent, but their inability to take their chances, alongside the goals conceded, affected their chances of winning.
He dismissed the weather as an excuse, insisting that his team simply did not have its day despite the effort put into the performance.
“Today is not just our day, despite all efforts,” he added.
The Doma United manager believes the season remains open and that his team can recover valuable points in subsequent matches, including away from home.
“There is still a lot to play for. A point is better than losing three points. We can also go elsewhere to earn points,” he said.
The result leaves Doma United with work to do as they seek to improve their consistency and turn competitive performances into victories.
For Ayeni, the immediate priority is to rebuild his team’s chemistry, improve their finishing and ensure that the point earned against Ikorodu City becomes a foundation for better performances in the weeks ahead.
