Ijele Sports Club’s Managing Director, Ferdinand Naza, has hailed his team’s 2-2 draw against Inter Lagos FC in their Nigeria National League (NNL) Conference A debut as a positive starting point for the season. The draw, achieved at home, highlighted both the team’s potential and areas for improvement as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Inter Lagos FC took an early lead in the 11th minute, courtesy of a shot from Othuke Egbo. Ijele SC, however, quickly settled into the game, with captain Izunna Alex leveling the score just seven minutes later in the 18th minute. The hosts then took the lead before halftime, with Adetona Adeyemi scoring in the 42nd minute.
The second half saw both sides struggle to find a breakthrough. Despite several attacking attempts, it was a defensive lapse from Ijele SC that allowed Somtochukwu Abraham to equalise for Inter Lagos in the 67th minute, leaving the final score at 2-2.
Speaking after the match, Naza expressed pride in the team’s first outing in the league, despite the disappointment of not securing a win.
“We would have loved to take all three points, but we see this draw as a foundation for a stronger campaign moving forward,” he said.
Naza identified lapses in concentration as the primary cause for the goals conceded, urging his players to stay focused and build on the positives ahead of their next match.
He also stressed the importance of teamwork and sticking to the game plan for future fixtures. “We must play together as a team and remain disciplined in our approach.
We know what we need to improve, and the next match against Crown FC will be an important opportunity to show progress,” Naza added.
Despite the challenges of their debut, Ijele SC’s performance suggests a promising future as they look to grow and improve throughout the season.
The team will now focus on their next fixture, eager to secure their first win in the competition.
