Mr. Shakiru Giwa, the Head Coach of Inter Lagos FC, attributed his team’s narrow 2-3 defeat to Heartland FC of Owerri to the inexperience of his young but energetic squad.
The Match Day 4 fixture of the Nigeria National League (NNL), held last Saturday at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, saw his youthful players struggle to manage the pressures of a tightly contested game.
Giwa candidly shared these thoughts during a post-match interview with sports journalists, highlighting the challenges faced by a developing team against a seasoned opponent.
Despite the loss, Giwa emphasized the promising energy and potential displayed by his team. He pointed out that although the players lacked experience, their spirited performance against a well-established club was noteworthy.
According to Giwa, the match was a valuable learning experience for Inter Lagos FC, underscoring the importance of further tactical refinement and mental toughness as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
In contrast, Emmanuel Amunike, the Technical Adviser of Heartland FC, praised Inter Lagos FC’s youthful vigor and resilience.
Amunike acknowledged that his team found themselves under pressure after leading comfortably, with the visitors narrowing the scoreline from 2-0 to 2-1 and later from 3-1 to 3-2.
“They really gave us a serious challenge,” he noted, adding that such moments tested Heartland’s resolve throughout a closely-fought encounter.
Amunike further reflected on the overall outcome, stressing that the primary objective for Heartland FC was to secure the three points and improve their goal difference.
He described the game as “good” and praised both teams for their spirited fight.
Amunike also conceded that while the victory was essential for Heartland’s league positioning, a thorough post-match analysis would be necessary to fully evaluate their performance.
Respect for Heartland FC’s legacy was also a key theme in Coach Giwa’s comments. He acknowledged the club’s historical achievements and stature in Nigerian football, describing them as a “massive team.”
This recognition did not, however, diminish Giwa’s confidence in his own squad, who he says are ready to learn and grow from this experience.
Looking ahead, Giwa revealed that Inter Lagos FC intends to review and correct the tactical lapses that cost them in the match.
The coaching team plans to return “to the drawing board” to strengthen the squad’s approach and ensure better results in future games.
Despite the setback, Giwa remains optimistic about his young team’s development and their ability to compete at the Nigeria National League level.