Abia Warriors assistant coach Bethel Orji says his side’s own defensive mistakes, not the opposition, are behind their winless start to the NPFL season.
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Abia Warriors assistant coach Bethel Orji has pinned the club’s slow start to the new NPFL season on costly, avoidable defensive errors, after his side came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Ikorodu City at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba on Sunday.
Still Searching For A First Win
The result leaves Abia Warriors without a win through three matchdays, having collected just two points from a possible nine. They have conceded six goals so far this season while scoring only twice.
Orji Points The Finger At His Own Defence
Speaking to reporters after the match, Orji, who took charge in the absence of head coach Imama Amapakabo, said he was concerned that nearly every goal conceded this season has stemmed from unforced errors rather than being earned by the opposition. He explained that defenders have repeatedly given the ball away in dangerous areas, including for Ikorodu City’s second goal on Sunday, when a simple clearance was missed and the visitors pounced.
He said, “It’s a big worry,” while praising the players for showing fighting spirit to come back from two goals down and salvage a point, adding that the team still needs to sharpen its finishing after missing several chances of its own.
Eyes On Back-To-Back Away Trips
Abia Warriors face consecutive away fixtures against Sporting Lagos and Kano Pillars next, and Orji said the target is nothing less than maximum points from both games, pointing to Ikorodu City’s away point in Aba as proof that visiting sides can compete on the road.
