NNL

NNL: Ibom Youths FC eye points against Vandrezzer FC in Lagos

By Nsidibe Akpan

Posted on March 25, 2022

Ibom Youths FC of Uyo have set sights on taking point(s) from Vandrezzer FC in Lagos.

Speaking to The Athletic NG ahead of their matchday 8 fixture at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, head coach of Ibom Youths, Emmanuel Ntuk says his side is ready to return to Uyo with at least a point.

“We are prepared, my team is ready to play. By the grace of God, Ibom Youths will go home with at least one point.

“Every team has their strategy, I have my strategy. I have watched them (Vandrezzer FC) on TV, but I have my strategy which I want my players to execute and by the grace of God, we are here for points and we can’t go back empty-handed,” coach Ntuk said.

Ibom Youths FC have lost only a game all season, a 3-1 defeat in Benin against Bendel Insurance. They have drawn three times on the road and scored twice against Campos FC in Owerri two weeks ago.

Captain of the side, Marshal John re-echoed what coach Ntuk said to The Athletic NG that the team is not here to lose.

“We are expecting to go home with a point,” a confident-looking John said.

“We are not here to lose and we are not intimidated by the profile of Vandrezzer FC. The playing turf is good enough for us to play our game and we are determined to win or go home with a draw,” he said.

Ibom Youth midfielder, Joseph Bassey, who was part of Vandrezzer FC during their formation year in 2019 speaks glowingly of his former side but maintains they have job to do against the Lions of Naija.

“I am emotional about playing against my former club, I am a professional, they know my quality. We are here to pick a point or go home with all three points. We are very prepared and ready to go.

“Vandrezzer FC is my former team and I know they are very intelligent, they have a good attitude and they have what it takes to play in the NNL. They have broadcast to cover their games but we are just here to do a job and at the end of the day we will pick three points.

“I have former teammates in Vandrezzer FC. Captain Godwin Ekpo and Samuel Edoho are my former mates, they know I am here and they also know what to expect from me. I think it’s going to be a very good game to watch.”

The match is expected to go ahead on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium by 4pm, despite the facility being used for a funeral service on the same day.

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