The Technical Adviser of Lobi Stars, Coach Kabiru Dogo has said despite the recent loss of form, his team is still a strong contender for the 2021 NPFL title. The ‘pride of Benue’ are now 9th on the NPFL log but the former ABS, Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars gaffer told Trust Sports that after overcoming injury problems, Lobi Stars will soon bounce back to it’s winning ways. Dogo also spoke on the organisation of the ongoing NPFL season.
How satisfied are you with your team’s performance in the 2021 NPFL season?
So far, so good. I believe that in life, we are bound to face challenges at one time or another. Life is not a bed of roses. So once you are alive, you must be ready for unpleasant situations.
For now, we have found ourselves in a situation which is not the best for our ambition but we are all working hard to turn things around. Therefore, I am assuring our teeming fans that in no distant future, we are going to bounce back strongly.
What’s responsible for the sharp decline in the performance of Lobi Stars?
The truth of the matter is that some of our key players suffered injuries and some had issues of card but I am pleased to let you know that our injury worries are completely over and we are going to be playing at full strength.
I have confidence in each and every one of my players but there is no denying the fact that some players bring something extra to their teams.
We had such players who were sidelined by injury but they are back and ready to join the fray once again. It is against this background that I am confident we would soon go back to where we are supposed to be on the NPFL table.
So, the target of a continental ticket is still intact for Lobi Stars?
Going by Lobi Stars record, we have gone past the stage of taking part in the league for the sake of it.
There is no season we don’t have the ambition to play continental football. This season is not an exception and we are not losing hope so easily.
What has happened to us is a temporary setback. We have our eyes fixed on a continental ticket. Nobody can deny the fact that we are among the strong contenders for the title.
The league is a marathon, it is not a sprint. Matches left to be played are more than the ones we have played so far. Once we regain our form, there will be no looking back. So I want to repeat that there is no cause for alarm.
What are you doing to inject this same belief into your players who must be losing confidence in themselves?
It is important to psyche up the players, to make them understand that what is happening is a phase that will soon end, so I have been talking to them.
The management of the club is also doing a lot in this direction. They have promised the players a lot of things to motivate them to put in their best.
I believe the incentives that have been lined up will reinvigorate the boys. Moreover, they are professionals so getting them to maintain their focus has not been difficult. Meanwhile, those who need to sit up have been told to do so.
Are you satisfied with your present squad or you are also waiting to beef up the team when the transfer window opens?
I can say I am okay with the players I have but there is no perfect team in the world. Therefore, I won’t hesitate to add one or two more players to the present squad.
Which departments of the team would you be looking at?
We need to score goals. Matches are won when chances created are converted into goals. You will agree with me that we are not playing badly but our goals conversion rate has been less than satisfactory. So when the time comes, we would add one or two potent strikers to our attack.
Are you also of the opinion that congested fixtures are taking a toll on the players in the NPFL?
Personally, I wouldn’t want to blame my players’ injuries on midweek matches or what you referred to as congested fixtures.
Even where there are no midweek matches, players can still pick up injuries. Players get injured even in training sessions. Secondly, most clubs register not less than 35 players in a season so we may not need to complain of pressure.
I believe with 35 players, one should be able to rotate his squad to get the best out of his players. Moreover, considering when the league started, it is necessary to play midweek matches in order to cover the lost ground.
How would you rate the organisation of the league so far?
I want to give kudos to the Nigeria Football Federation, the League Management Company, referees association and all the relevant stakeholders for a job well done.
I am particularly happy with the officiating. We are improving every year and this is good for those who are competing for honours in the league.
They are doing a good job so they should keep it up. However, since there is always room for improvement, I will not hesitate to call on them to do more.
Do you support calls for fans to be allowed back into match venues?
Since football fans are gradually returning to match venues in Europe, I don’t think it will be a bad idea to do the same in the NPFL.
If we can observe the laid down COVID-19 protocols, it will be good to have a manageable number of fans in our stadiums. We all know the importance of spectators to football.
The players are more motivated when they have their fans cheering them on. Therefore, I support calls for fans to be carefully reintroduced in our match centres.
Your next match is at Heartland FC. How do you fancy your chances?
With all sense of humility, I want to say our revival will start here. We are going for the maximum points. But it is not going to be an easy match.
