The Technical Adviser of Warri Wolves, Coach Evans Ogenyi has said he will be satisfied, if, at the end of the season, his club which is presently in 13th position on the NPFL table is not relegated to the lower division. The former Coach of Ocean Boys, Nasarawa United and Enyimba who left Lobi Stars to join Wolves at the beginning of the season spoke to Trust Sports on his travails in Lobi Stars and what he wants to achieve in Warri Wolves.
How satisfied are you with your team’s performance in the ongoing season?
This is my first season as coach of Warri Wolves and I want to ensure that all things being equal, we maintain our premiership status. So I have been able to imbibe the fighting mentality in my players. I make them understand that they are the best and can play at the highest level. So it is the self-confidence I have inculcated into my players that have taken us this far. I don’t want to be too ambitious so I just want to make sure that we maintain our premiership status and also see how we would go in the Aiteo Cup. If by the grace of God I continue with the club next season, then we would set new targets and work towards achieving them. For now, we want to maintain our premiership status.
What has it been like working with new players under a new management?
It has not been easy but I am doing my best. During the last transfer window, I reinforced the team with five youthful players. To have a good team, there must be a combination of youth and experience. The former coach had recruited players hurriedly believing the league would start early. The league didn’t start and I inherited that team till the last transfer window when I was able to strengthen the squad.
You left a more formidable team, Lobi Stars to join returnees, Warri Wolves. Why?
It was not an easy decision but I had to leave because of what many people may call travesty of justice. I am eminently qualified to lead Lobi Stars. I am one of the few coaches in the country who is highly trained. Among many other certificates, I have CAF ‘A’ licence. I am qualified to handle any football club. Unfortunately, since a prophet has no honour in his hometown, those in charge of Lobi Stars didn’t believe in me. I had to look elsewhere. I have paid my dues in the NPFL and deserve more respect. In Warri Wolves, I am the Head Coach. I call the shots as far as technical matters are concerned. I am doing my job without undue interference.
Considering your experience in Lobi, is there any grudge with the management of the club?
Although I left with a heavy heart, I bear no grudge with anyone because they only helped in promoting me. However, those in charge of the club should be more considerate in their actions. The governor of Benue State gave specific instructions that they should encourage indigenes that are qualified to be in the team. I believe they went against the governor’s instruction but I have no ill feelings towards anyone. I wish them well as I have moved on with my life.
Would you accept any opportunity in future to coach Lobi Stars?
Of course, I will do so because Lobi Stars is my state-owned club. The immediate past Vice-Chairman of the club, Dominic Lorfa on two occasions recalled me to come and handle Lobi Stars. The first time, I was with Nasarawa United and the second time, I was with Enyimba FC. On these occasions, he invited me and I went happily to serve my state. I want this on record that Lorfa appointed me twice to lead Lobi Stars.
How much support are you enjoying from the management of Warri Wolves?
I will say 500 per cent support. They believe in me and what I am doing. Some of our football administrators should learn to believe in what they have. I have no ill feelings and I am not criticising anybody but the truth is those who are in charge of some of these clubs, are they the best administrators around?. They are only privileged to be there. When I presented my credentials to Warri Wolves management, they discovered I am eminently qualified for the job and I was appointed.
Out of the victories recorded by Wolves this season, which brought you so much joy?
My victory against Nasarawa United in Lafia gave me so much joy. I once coached Nasarawa United so before the match, they were like playing with me that I should allow them to win. In the end, I won the match. It was an emotional moment for me.
Which would be your most painful loss in the ongoing season?
The defeat against Rangers at home was painful. I didn’t know what happened but in nine minutes we had conceded two goals. It was one of my saddest days as a football coach. However, we were able to move on from that painful loss.
As a veteran coach in the NPFL, what is your assessment of the organisation of the league?
There have been some improvements. I must commend the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, League Management Company, LMC, and Nigeria referees Association, NRA. I say kudos to every one of them. Just look at the way clubs win away or draw matches. Last week, I pulled a draw at Akwa United. With all the intimidation, the referee stood his ground. We are making progress. However, they should improve security at match venues. It should be beefed up. If they are assured of adequate security, our referees will perform better.
How did you come about the nick-name ‘Jose Mourinho’?
I have followed Jose Mourinho for a long time because everybody tries to pattern his life after some successful people. When Clemence Westerhof was in charge of Kwara State football academy, he brought Mourinho to Nigeria. I was one of the few Nigerian coaches who attended the coaching clinic he organised. I had the opportunity of interfacing with him. We had the opportunity to ask him questions and he told us a lot of useful things about coaching. It was refreshing and rewarding. He is a coach who demands a lot from his players. He wants them to win all matches including friendly matches. He inculcates winning mentality and philosophy in his players. Mourinho is a charismatic and committed coach who builds confidence in his players. I want to follow in his footsteps and I don’t mind being called ‘Jose Mourinho’ of Nigerian football.
