Olumide Ajibolade says winning a back-to-back Optima Energy Gold Cup against Shooting Stars in the final would be a bonus for his Beyond Limits, as his team is ready to learn and compete against the best.
Both teams will clash in Saturday's finale of the 12th edition of the nation's off-season football tournament, scheduled to take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Ajibolade shared his thoughts ahead of the enticing clash after Beyond Limits edged FC Ebedei in the first semi-final on Thursday.
"The objective is to learn and compete. Shooting Stars should provide us with a good game for the boys to take lessons from. We're happy.
"I've never approached a tournament thinking I have to win; it’s never on my mind. Of course, people might say that's a lie because we win a lot, but our objective is always to compete. If we win, it's a bonus. We need to ensure the lads play well and improve, and if we win again on Saturday, it’s just another trophy, and we’re happy for that."
Regarding the tough and close game against FC Ebedei, he said, "I don’t think our semi-final game was difficult just because we won by a one-goal margin. However, the opposition was very physical, with many duels, intense pressing, and organization with bodies behind the ball.
"We expected that, as no team wants us to have space behind. We kept probing, trying to find options to play around them, and eventually, we found a breakthrough.
"Overall, I think FC Ebedei’s organization was good, but we just couldn’t break them down easily. It might be preseason, so we have a lot to work on.
"There’s nothing different from what we usually do. It’s preseason, so we will compete and hopefully field more players, allowing them to gain the necessary minutes as they prepare for other upcoming competitions. So, there’s nothing special, just our normal approach to excellence."
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