In a strange quirk of fate, Ilaji FC could have made her first appearance at the Nationwide League One with a remarkable record if their last league fixtures had favoured them across match venues, most especially the match involving Knight FC and Offa FC. The Akanran based side found themselves second on the group C2 standings behind Offa FC despite thier one-all away result to HMK FC.
Offa FC finished above Ilaji FC with 31points to top the table after a two nil away win over Knight FC. The result denied Ilaji FC’s promotion ambition after the Sanusi Boys had a good season with their striker, Boluwatife Ogungbayi netting 14 league goals in 11 matches. The league debutant had a total of 39 goals and the team Head Coach and manager, Babatunde Odubola says there is no regrets after the season.
However, the former Shooting Stars feeders and main team coach opined that the club management had no regrets over thier overall performance and believes rather than a short term gain, the club’s intention is to market and secure foreign deals for their players and exposed them to various match venues and league outings.
Babatunde Odubola also known as ‘Ziko’ told oyosportsnews.com.ng that the club were disappointed with the final standings but had not regrets, noting that the club management is proud of the team performance, and development of the entire squad.
“Our intention is to promote to the Nigeria National League, that has been our intention before the commencement of the league. We’re not desperate unlike some teams, we had perfected our plans, ensured proper recruitment, reinforced the team at the mid season and add to our technical knowledge and improved on players’ welfare. It may be our first time at the Nationwide League, but people can see good football, and how a football academy and and club should be.”
“Also, our plans before the league are to expose our players to different states, match venues and stadia. We want them to experience different officiating and prepare them for future challenges and opportunities.”
Odubola confirmed to OyoSportsNews that the club top scorer and Nationwide League One overall top scorer Boluwatife Ogungbayi has officially joined Slavia Prague U-19 team in Czech Republic with other two players from the squad. He assured of more foreign deals from the club academy and better outing next season.
