Okachi seeks high ending to first stanza
According to 3SC striker Anthony Okachi, the Oluyole Warriors will dig deep to win their final game of the first stanza of the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League season in Ibadan on Sunday (today).
The Ibadan side had a difficult first half of the season, winning only two games, drawing three, and losing three to finish sixth in Group A with nine points, five points behind a top-three spot.
Okachi says the importance of getting all three points cannot be overstated as they prepare to face Akwa United on Sunday.
"It is very important that we get a win on Sunday (today) because that will help us stay in view of what we aim to achieve for the season. Yes, it's been a difficult first round for us, but we know it's only a temporary setback and we'll be back stronger. We appreciate the fans who show genuine love and support, and we'll do our best to put a smile on their faces," Okachi told PUNCH Sports Extra.
"We know Akwa United are a good side but we are equally better and we will fight for the maximum point. We are not under any duress to play; we believe we can win, and we know the people of Ibadan deserve a good result."
3SC's goal tally has also been underwhelming, with nine goals scored and 11 conceded, a troubling trend for coach Gbenga Ogunbote that Okachi attributes to the squad's injuries.
With Okachi still not fully fit and Sikiru Alimi out injured, Ogunbote's options up front have been limited, but the news of Alimi's return to training delighted the striker, who is also eager to get back into the groove as soon as possible.
"Alimi has been a big booster for us so as others that have been injured like myself, we are trying to get back to full fitness and help the team. I can only tell the fans not to worry because the team will pull through. We've had some key players injured, which has thrown the team's balance off, but we're working together every day to get it back on track. "We believe in the team, in ourselves, and most importantly, in the head coach," Okachi added.
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