Oladapo: We’re Ready For In-form Plateau United (AUDIO)
Austin Oladpo has declared Enyimba’s readiness for Saturday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) crunch fixture against second-placed Plateau United.
The record 8-time NPFL champions Enyimba confront Fidelis Illechukwu’s side – who are on an unbeaten run of 10 matches in the league – in Aba on Saturday.
That run has seen the 2017 champions climb to second on the log, with 37 points from 17 matches, just a point behind leaders Rivers United.
Though he admitted facing the Peace Boys at this point will be difficult considering their impressive form, Oladapo stated that the People’s Elephant are prepared to ‘give it our best’ to ensure they secure maximum points on Saturday.
“Playing Plateau United on Saturday is going to be a very big game,” the former Gombe United and FC IfeanyiUbah player told www.enyimbafc.net. “They have been on a very good form. We can’t deny that fact. They have been doing well away from home.
“But this is Enyimba, we have to give it all, give it our best, because we know, at this time, it has been very difficult for us. But Enyimba know how to play the big games.
“I think we are prepared for this particular game against Plateau United on Saturday. We are going to make ourselves proud, we’re going to make the fans proud, because ahead of this game, we have done a lot. The coach has taught us a lot concerning this game and we are ready to give it all out to make sure we get the desired result.
“Plateau United are a good team but I don’t think they are favourites. We are favourites to win this match. It is our home, and we must do everything to get the maximum points.”
Enyimba’s inconsistent form has seen the 2-time African champions drop to 8th on the standings, with 24 points from 17 games, 13 points behind Saturday’s opponents Plateau United.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder admits it has been a ‘very difficult season for us’ but remains optimistic his side will bounce back, starting with the game against Plateau United this weekend.
“Well, it has been a very difficult season for us,” he admitted. “Since the beginning of the season till this time, we never planned it to be this way, but it has come. We are seeing it.
“But then, there’s one thing about life, hard times don’t last. We have to keep believing in ourselves, like I do tell the boys. We have to keep having a positive mindset. We believe in no time, things will begin to change for our good.
“And we want to use Saturday’s match against Plateau United to turn the fortunes of the club (around) and make sure that we start getting things..…As soon as we get the desired result on Saturday, then we’ll move for our next game with a positive mind to see how we can turns things around for our good.
“For me as the captain of the team, we will get it right. It’s just one of those phases. Definitely, we’ll overcome.”