2024 Value Jet Competition: Ikorodu City FC Stuns Al Merrikh.
In a thrilling upset at the ongoing 2024 Value Jet Pre-Season Tournament, newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Ikorodu City FC, defeated Sudanese giants Al Merrikh 2-1 on Friday.
Having previously secured a 1-0 victory against Shooting Stars in their opening match, Al Merrikh faced a determined Ikorodu City side who were eager to make a statement in their debut NPFL season.
Reflecting on the defeat, Al Merrikh’s goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo, offered a candid assessment of his team’s performance. Despite the loss, Ojo remained optimistic about the team’s future.
“We still have a lot to do as a team because we cannot enter the continental competitions with this kind of performance,” Ojo admitted. He expressed gratitude to the tournament organisers, stating, “It has been an eye-opener for us, highlighting the areas where we need to improve.”
Ojo stressed the importance of using this experience constructively. “We will continue to improve. We still have more time to prepare ourselves, and I believe that with our coach, we will surely have a solid team before the season begins.”
Acknowledging the team’s shortcomings, Ojo noted, “Our defence needs to be more cohesive, and we must improve our communication on the field. These are critical aspects we need to focus on during our training sessions.”
Despite the setback, Ojo viewed the tournament as a valuable opportunity for growth. “Every setback is a setup for a comeback,” he remarked, his optimism evident.
With a clear benchmark set by strong opponents like Ikorodu City, Ojo concluded, “We have seen where we stand. With the right mindset and hard work, we can turn our weaknesses into strengths and be ready for the challenges ahead.”
As Al Merrikh regroups and refines their strategies, Ojo’s leadership and belief in their potential will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season.
