Coach Michael Olamiji of Papa Soccer Angels FC of Lagos has attributed his team’s failure to secure promotion to the Nigerian Women Football League NWFL Premiership to injuries that affected key players. In their final NWFL Championship play off match, Papa Soccer Angels were defeated 4-0 by Unification FC at Saint Patrick Stadium, Calabar, sealing their fate.
Although disappointed, the coach acknowledged the lessons learned from the tournament and expressed his determination to return to Lagos with new ideas and a stronger team for future competitions.
Editorial
Coach Michael Olamiji’s reflection on Papa Soccer Angels’ performance at the NWFL Championship offers a reminder of the challenges teams face when dealing with limited resources. Injuries are part of the game, but Olamiji’s situation highlights the importance of squad depth in tournaments. His positive outlook, despite missing out on promotion, is admirable, and his focus on learning from the experience is a testament to his commitment to improving both himself and his team.
Despite the disappointing result, Olamiji refrained from blaming his players. He noted that they performed well early in the competition, securing three points, but injuries took their toll as the tournament progressed. Olamiji explained that his squad had too few players registered, forcing them to play through the injuries without alternatives.
The struggle of Papa Soccer Angels is a common story in grassroots football, where teams often lack the resources to field deep squads. However, Olamiji’s experience and lessons learned from the tournament could lead to better preparation for future competitions. With the right support and adjustments, Papa Soccer Angels may yet achieve their goal of reaching the NWFL Premiership.
Did You Know?
- The NWFL Championship is a key competition for women’s football in Nigeria, offering a pathway to the top flight NWFL Premiership.
- Injuries are a significant factor in football, and teams with limited squads are more vulnerable to setbacks in tournaments.
- Papa Soccer Angels secured early points in the tournament, but injuries derailed their chances of promotion.
- Michael Olamiji’s emphasis on learning from the experience shows the resilience and adaptability necessary for success in football.
- Saint Patrick Stadium in Calabar hosted the final match that determined Papa Soccer Angels’ fate in the NWFL Championship.
