2024 Value Jet Competition: Ikorodu City FC stuns Al Merrikh

Posted : 28 July 2024

Newly promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) from the Nigeria National League, Ikorodu City FC caused an upset on Friday at the ongoing 2024 Value Jet Pre-Season Tournament by defeating Sudanese club Al Merrikh 2-1 in a challenging encounter.

It is worth noting that Al Merrikh had previously defeated Shooting Stars 1-0 in their opening match of the competition.

Following Al Merrikh’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Ikorodu City, goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo reflected on the team’s performance with a blend of honesty and optimism.

Despite the defeat, Ojo stood tall, his expression a mixture of resolve and contemplation. In an exclusive post-match interview, Ojo shared his thoughts on the game and the road ahead for his team.

“We still have a lot to do as a team because we cannot enter the continental competitions with this kind of performance,” Ojo admitted.

“That is why I want to thank the organizers of this tournament. It has been an eye-opener for us, highlighting the areas where we need to improve.”

Ojo emphasized the importance of using this experience as a learning opportunity. “We will continue to improve. We still have more time to prepare ourselves, and I believe that with our coach, we will surely have a solid team before the season begins.”

The defeat to Ikorodu City was difficult to accept, but Ojo’s confidence in his team’s potential remained strong. Reflecting on the match, Ojo noted several key areas where Al Merrikh fell short. “Our defense needs to be more cohesive, and we must improve our communication on the field,” he said.

“These are critical aspects we need to focus on during our training sessions.” Despite the loss, the goalkeeper viewed the tournament as a valuable stepping stone towards greater achievements.

“Every setback is a setup for a comeback,” Ojo remarked, a hint of a smile breaking through his serious demeanor. The ValueJet Cup provided a clear benchmark for Al Merrikh, and Ojo was optimistic about the future.

“We have seen where we stand against strong teams like Ikorodu City,” he concluded. “With the right mindset and hard work, we can turn our weaknesses into strengths and be ready for the challenges ahead.”

As the team regroups and refines their strategies, Ojo’s leadership and unwavering belief in their collective potential will undoubtedly be a driving force in their journey forward.

2024 Value Jet Competition: Ikorodu City FC stuns Al Merrikh

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