By Stephen Okafor
Kano Pillars head coach, Evans Ogenyi says his team were on top in their round of 32 Federation cup tie against Rangers International Football Club of Enugu.
Ogenyi however admitted that his team lived to rue their missed chances as a first half brace from Godwin Obaje from two rare counter- attacking moves sent Rangers through.
“We played the game we wanted but did not take our chances.
“Even though we went to an early goal it was quite obvious that we were in the driving seat for 90 minutes, we were however punished for not taking our chances.
“I have to congratulate the team that knocked us out,” Ogenyi continued.
“They have done it extremely well. They defended well and I felt that their goalkeeper kept them in the game.
“They contained us and were tactically intelligent. They are capable of taking advantage of every mistake and did so with the two goals.”
Ogenyi added that his players would have to show their courage in the rest of the season after one of the few realistic chance of a trophy slipped away from their hands.
“We have to be strong enough to take the defeat,” he insisted.
He stressed that having ended their campaign in the cup competition, his team would now focus all their attention on the Nigeria National League (NNL)
He said he was optimistic that the club would secure promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the end of the season.
“We are on a mission to make a return to the NPFL; that is my mandate.
“The players know what is at stake for us this season. Winning promotion back to the NPFL is the mission.
“All the remaining fixtures in the NNL is like a final for us and we can’t afford to make any mistake,” he said.
Kano Pillars currently sit top of NNL Group A3 five-team table with 12 points from five games played so far.
The Sai Masu Gida boys were relegated to the NNL last season after losing their appeal against Dakkada FC.
The four-time NPFL champions had three of their points deducted by the League Management Company following the team’s unruly behaviour during a league match against Dakkada.
