A loss in Kano, but no cause for alarm

What an afternoon it was in Kano. The crowd was intimidating and the ambience set for a big clash. We fought but lost. This is not the story we would want to tell anyway. We should have at least gotten a point based on how we responded to Adam’s first goal. But this is where we are. However, there is no cause for alarm.

Our games with Kano Pillars have always been tough. In the past seven encounters, the home sides have always won, even though we hoped we could change the narratives.

We lost concentration in defense and paid dearly for that. This is where Eguma should come in, to find the right synergy and partnership in defense and to make sure that we keep our defense tight. If we must concede, the other team should work for it. We would not want to give away cheap goals like we have done in the past two games.

It was never going to be easy for us in Kano. Coming from a gruelling game in Cairo, then traveling down to Kano for this game would take a lot of strength and determination from the team. Hopefully, the boys would take a day or two to rest before their game against Kwara United on Monday.

Normally, the boys should have rested but duty calls. Despite the disappointing loss, there is still a ray of light at the end of the tunnel for us. We are still on track and can bounce back with that needed victory.

Before we play our home games in the second round, Eguma must have made some vital changes in delicate areas to change the fortunes of the team. He will have to find a way to make his attack work and also work on the fitness of some players, especially those returning from injury.

These players, alongside any new additions will soon get into their strides. When the players are all fit, the coach will have a luxury of choice especially in attack. We also hope to see the return of versatile midfielder, Eze Ekwutuziam and the full return of Imoh Obot and Clinton Jephtah.

For now, this loss is painful but there is really no cause for alarm.