In a riveting encounter during game week eight of the Nigerian National League (NNL), Interlagos FC emerged victorious in a crucial battle against TradeSafe FC, with a final scoreline of 4-2 in favor of the away team.
The intense match unfolded as a derby, with both teams vying for supremacy, and Interlagos’ coach, Ezema Gabriel, shared insights in a post-game interview with sports247.
Coach Gabriel acknowledged the challenging nature of the encounter, highlighting that the opponents, who had only secured one point in their previous two games, were playing on their home turf. Emphasizing the importance of determination in such contests, Gabriel noted, “It’s about who wants it more.”
He praised his team’s strong start and resilience in the face of a less-than-ideal beginning to the second half. The coach credited their success to seizing the opportunities presented during the game.
When questioned about the team’s evolution since their first match against Osun United, where a change in fortune was evident, Coach Gabriel emphasized the gradual improvement of the squad.
He revealed the team’s focus on enhancing various aspects, including open play, setpieces, defensive phases, and transitional play. The coach emphasized a commitment to ongoing improvement as the season progresses.
Regarding Interlagos’ standing in the league and the race for the top two positions, Coach Gabriel remained pragmatic. He acknowledged the competitiveness of the group and expressed the team’s goal of taking each game one step at a time.
With approximately 13 games left in the season, he maintained a cautious optimism, stating, “We just want to focus on winning our next game against Warri Wolves.”
While acknowledging the unpredictability of football, he outlined the team’s initial target of steering clear of the drop zone and gradually stabilizing their position in mid-table before setting their sights on a top spot chase.
