Akwa United coach John Obuh says his side’s first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) win this season is down to the ‘tactical’ and ‘psychological’ approach they adopted prior to their 4-0 thrashing of promoted Adamawa United in Uyo on Sunday.
Olympic Eagles star Ndifreke Effiong scored a hattrick, while Paul Obata added another as The Promise Keepers romped to a first win of the campaign, dousing the pressure on Obuh, who has suffered attacks from irate fans of the club in recent times.
“Whatever you must have seen today is what has been happening; it’s just that the chances were not being taken, just like the difference is the chances were being taken today (Sunday),” the former Kwara United and Rangers coach told journalist after the match.
“So, I just want to thank God and then, the players, because I just had to do a lot of psychological talk with them; that we really need to settle this game as quickly as possible than the time we would have to go into pressure. And tactically, it was observed.”
The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles gaffer added that he didn’t make any significant tactical change in his approach to the match.
“The same formation we have been playing, except at times, we play three strikers, but this time we played 4-4-2 (formation) with two fast wing players, and that was actually what helped us because our breakaway was very, very easy. And then, the crosses were brilliant enough to have given us a goal,” he added.
“It’s a tactical approach and mindset that actually gave us the scoreline.”
The emphatic win against Adamawa United moved Obuh’s side off the relegation zone to 14th on the NPFL log with 7 points in as many matches.
