Goalkeeper trainer Dele Aiyenugba has admitted that Kwara United F.C. are under pressure as they battle to avoid relegation in the Nigeria Premier Football League, but insists the team is doing everything possible to turn their fortunes around.
Aiyenugba, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper who also played for Enyimba F.C., spoke about the club’s difficult run of results and the determination within the squad to bounce back.
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“It has not been easy for us,” Aiyenugba said. “We lost a couple of games at home and things didn’t really go the way we wanted. But sometimes football is like that. When your plans don’t work out, you just have to keep pushing and find a way to get back on your feet.”
The former international noted that the technical crew and players are working hard to ease the pressure surrounding the team and improve their position on the table.
“We are doing everything possible to reduce the pressure on the team. The players are working hard and we know we must start getting results because that is what the fans expect from us,” he said.
Despite the struggles, Aiyenugba dismissed suggestions that the squad lacks quality, explaining that poor results can occur even when teams prepare well.
“It’s not that the players are not good. Sometimes in football you have a plan and it doesn’t work the way you expect. That is the situation we have found ourselves in, but we believe we can overcome it,” he added.
The goalkeeper trainer also praised the club’s management for maintaining confidence in the coaching staff despite the difficult period.
“We have a great chairman and the management understands the situation.
There is support around the team, but we know we still have the responsibility to deliver results,” he said.
Speaking on his role with the goalkeepers,
Aiyenugba said his focus is on helping them stay mentally strong during the tense stage of the season.
“I always tell them not to put too much pressure on themselves. They just need to stay focused and continue supporting the team. In the last game they were very solid, like a wall, and that is what we expect going forward.”
On the overall standard of the league, the former shot-stopper said he believes the competition is improving.
“The referees and the league organisers are doing a great job. You can see many away wins and draws now, which shows the league is competitive and full of talent,” he said.
Aiyenugba, however, remains confident that Kwara United will overcome their current challenges.
“We are going through a difficult moment, but with hard work and by God’s grace we will get through this trial,” he concluded.
