By Sab Osuji
Vincent EdafeImama Amapakabo, technical adviser of NPFL side, Abia Warriors, has sensationally declared that his side parades the set of goalkeepers in the domestic top flight, Orient Sports reports.
Amapakabo, is a former Nigeria junior international who won the 2016 NPFL title with Rangers, going ahead to handle Nigeria’s Olympic team, U23 Eagles.
Thrilled by his short stoppers performances so far in the campaign, Amapakabo sounded emphatic that the Umuahia Warriors are blessed to have the best goalkeepers in the league.
Despite the presence of Super Eagles capped goalkeepers, John Noble with Enyimba, 21 capped Ikechukwu Ezenwa with Heartland, (2008 Beijing Olympics silver medalist with U23 Eagles, ex U20 Eagles goalkeeper and Super Eagles AFCON 2019 bronze medalist), Chijioke Ejiogu (Arugo Monkey) also capped by Eagles still plying his trade in the domestic scene with Heartland, and Theophilus Afelokhai also capped by the senior national team now on the payroll of Rivers United, Amapakabo still picked out his shot stoppers, Olorunleke Ojo and Vincent Edafe as the best goalkeepers presently in the local league.
John Noble
Amapakabo spoke after his young goalkeeper Vincent Edafe put up another star performance in the Match day 27 NPFL 2-0 triumph over Lobi Stars at their transit home ground, Okigwe Township Stadium.
Ikechukwu EzenwaBuoyed by Edafe’s stats in last five games in which he let in only a goal, Amapakabo was left to heap praises on the young goal tender. “Well, we are blessed. I think the team is blessed to have goalkeepers of that (Olorunleke’s) quality and calibre. Olorunleke Ojo, one of the best in the league and Vincent Edafe too”, Amapakabo opened up.
“Olorunleke had an injury and Edafe came in and he has been standing tall. Leke has to wait for his time because in the first round, he did very very well and this is Edafe’s time and just like I always tell him, it is your gloves now and you have to prove yourself that you are worth it because Leke is just standing by”.
Theophilus Afelokhai“We have another young goalkeeper, Chibueze Lambert, who also is pushing hard. Edafe has been wonderful and we are thankful to have such quality goalkeeper in Edafe”.
Amapakabo’s charges bounced back to winning ways, triumphing over high flying Lobi Stars of Markurdi 2-0 at the Okigwe Township stadium.
Chijioke Ejiogu (Arugo Monkey)
“We had a good game, no doubts and a very tactical game. We knew we needed to get a win, I’m thankful that the goals came a bit early and in terms of play, we knew we had to keep our shape and organisation. “The Lobi side changed their formation in the second half and we had to restructure to a 4-1-4-1 for us to be able to counter their plans.“Towards the end of the game we were able to create chances but unfortunately, we didn’t get to make it count”.Amapakabo’s side appears to have picked their right scoring boots and the one time Sharks, Enyimba and El-Kanemi Warriors gaffer is undoubtedly delighted. “Yes, I agree and it’s something we’ve been working on. I made a promise to the boys and they gave it their all but unfortunately they were not able to hit target as often.
“We have played three games in seven days and we have a whole week to work and we will go back and keep working, correcting the mistakes.
“Today (Sunday), they were able to shoot more balls on target and it’s an improvement so we are still pushing it”.
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