Abuja – Coach Moses Aduku of Bayelsa Queens FC, Yenagoa, has attributed the team's dismal performance at the ongoing 2012 Super-Six Championship to inadequate preparations.
Aduku said this in an interview in Abuja on Monday, after the team lost a decisive Group A match 3-2 to Kogi Confluence Queens.
The coach, who said that the flood in the state hindered the team's preparations, added that “the flood in Bayelsa affected our preparations because we initially gave the players one week break before we continue training.
“But because of the flood, we could not ask them to come back to camp for training until after three weeks, so for one month we were out of training.
“Besides, the stadium meant for the training was used as a camp for flood victims, so we were not able to make adequate preparations.
“The little period we were able to train was by the mercy of God so we can't blame the players for the results we got.
“Everyone saw that we started very well in this championship but at the end we fagged out because of inadequate preparations,'' Aduku said.
On his part, Coach Suleiman Adamu of Kogi Confluence FC said the determination to remain in the championship gave the team the impetus to win.
“It was a good match because yesterday the FC played well but the goals were not forthcoming so we lost out.
“But today, the technical crew gave the team the impression that if they want to remain in the competition, they have to perform better than they did yesterday.
“And the discussion we had with them during half time really contributed to the game because we were almost losing out in the first half and with determination, we came back to win the match,'' he said.
The coach, however, expressed dissatisfaction at the players' indiscipline throughout the game by being booked six times.
“The six yellow cards were not encouraging and I am not happy with the coach because it will affect
the players morale.
“We still have one more game to play, so the players have to be cautious with the way they play, '' Adamu added.
The match which took place at Area 3, Abuja, saw Bayelsa Queens FC starting off on a good note with a strike from Dupe Akinola in the 20th minute.
But Captain Lola Philip's hat trick halted their chance with her equalising goal 10 minutes later, after which Bayelsa's Captain Cecilia Nku renewed their hope of winning in the 34th minute.
Philip of Kogi came back few seconds after the start of the second half to level the game once again and later scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute.
Bayelsa Queens FC needed at least a draw to qualify to play for the third place after losing out 2-1 to Delta Queens in their first game, while Kogi Queens FC needed a win.
In the other match played, Sunshine Queens defeated Nassarawa Amazons 1-0 to book a ticket for the third place with a lone goal from Olaitan Mary in the 65th minute.
The third place match between Kogi Confluence Queens and Sunshine Queens will kick off at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, followed by the final at 4 p.m.
The final will be between Rivers Angels FC and Delta Queens FC. (NAN)
