We played against a better side” — Coach Abolarinwa reflects on Gaa Akanbi’s Federation Cup exit

“We played against a better side” — Coach Abolarinwa reflects on Gaa Akanbi’s Federation Cup exit


Head Coach of Gaa Akanbi FC, Abolarinwa Bashir, has admitted that his side came up against a superior opponent following their 4-0 defeat to Ikorodu City FC in the Round of 64 of the President Federation Cup at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The Ilorin-based side, who were nicknamed as the “giant killers” after their dramatic penalty shootout victory over ABS Ilorin FC earlier in the competition at the state level, were unable to replicate their heroics against the Nigeria Premier Football League side.

Despite the heavy defeat, Coach Abolarinwa maintained that his team gained valuable experience from the encounter and gave a good account of themselves against one of the top teams in the country.

“We have lost nothing. We have just gained more experience. The boys were able to showcase their talents. We played against a very good team — a team that sits fourth on the Nigeria Premier Football League table,” he said after the match.

The coach noted that the rainy condition in the second half affected his players, while also revealing that injury to one of his key players disrupted the team’s plans.

“We gave a good account of ourselves, but the rain didn’t help us in the second half. One of our key players also had to be substituted because of injury,” he added.


Abolarinwa, however, expressed satisfaction with the performance of some of the young players introduced during the game, including Taiye Salaudeen and Wariz, whom he described as products of the club’s kiddies team.

“We introduced young players like Taiye Salaudeen and AbdulWareez Abdulrafiu from our kiddies team, and they were able to play and gain experience. The boys tried their best, but Ikorodu City are more experienced and motivated,” he remarked.

The Gaa Akanbi gaffer further disclosed that his team will now shift focus to the Nationwide League One (NLO), where they still have two outstanding matches to prosecute.

“We will now shift our attention to the NLO. We still have two outstanding matches, and we will take it up from there,” he stated.

Coach Abolarinwa also appreciated the supporters of the club, especially those who travelled from Ilorin to Ibadan to cheer the team.

“I thank our fans for their maximum support, especially those who travelled down from Ilorin. I was surprised to see some of them in the stands,” he concluded.

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