Sports

Oriental Derby: Yemastar says respect for Ilechukwu won’t stop Enyimba

Published

4 months ago

June 5, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Ahead of the Cathedral showdown in Enugu, Enyimba lead Coach, Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju has warned that though he respects Rangers Fidelis Ilechukwu as a senior colleague, the match is about defending the club’s colours.

He would be leading Enyimba to Enugu where the two top teams face off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium with swashbuckling Ilechukwu in the opposite dug-out.

After hailing Ilechukwu as his senior and who would have been his boss at the defunct MFM, Yemi warned, “But everyone has to defend his club and try to get the job done”.

“He is a great guy I have a lot of respect for and nothing will change no matter the results in Enugu”.
“Ilechukwu is a senior and more like a big brother to me. He left MFM when I got there and we have a good relationship”.

Still, on the Matchday 35 winner-takes-all fixture, Yemi described it as going to be “a tough game, league decider if you ask me. Rangers look like the favorites but we’ll fight till the end”
He admitted to not having much scouting of the opponents saying, “I don’t think I know them much. The way they started the season is not the way they are playing now and the formation is also different with personnel”.

This lack of deep knowledge of the Enyimba team coupled with their inability to defeat the Flying Antelopes in Aba is not something the Coach is worried about According to him, “If our two points had not been unfortunately deducted, we should be on the same points now”.

Yemi could be described as one of the new-generation coaches in the Nigerian football ecosystem.

He is a young Turk in the football management business with ship-sized ambitions and you only have to watch his animated gesticulations on the sidelines during matches to agree with this tag.

Promoted to the position of Head Coach in the wake of Finidi George’s appointment as Super Eagles manager, Yemastar as his fans call him is unfazed by the king-size task thrown on his young shoulders in coaching. He is barely five years into the business after starting with Magate in 2019.

Asked if this was going to be his season of big statements as a Coach, Yemi played it down but insisted that he is not being boastful in claiming some credit for Enyimba’s performance so far.
“I don’t think it is a season of a big statement for me, I don’t want to praise myself but I have done well with the club even before being appointed after my big ‘bro’ Finidi left for Eagles. I have handled the team for two months while he was away at AFCON and many qualifiers matches and everything was going on smoothly”

It is not a light task to work as Coach of a club in a city where the club is hugely loved and expected to return laurels every season. The demands are not lost on him but he would rather dwell on the positives.

“I feel good to be the head coach of a big club like Enyimba. I want to say thank you to the management led by ‘King’ Nwankwo Kanu for his trust and belief. I also wish to say thank you to Aba fans for the massive love and support I get from them always. It has been fun and interesting with the support of everyone out there”.

Enyimba is two points behind Rangers as both teams go into the first of the last four games to end the season.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Ibadan Marathon Will Drive Business Growth, Foster Community Spirit, Spotlight Local Talents-Gov Makinde

Published

7 hours ago

September 18, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, has emphasized that the Ibadan Marathon will boost local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen community bonds.

He made this statement during a world press conference in Ibadan, where he was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wosilat Adegoke.

“This initiative not only promotes health and fitness but also supports our local economy while showcasing the beauty of our vibrant city,” he remarked. “The Ibadan Marathon is an opportunity for runners, families, and spectators to unite in celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. Through this event, we demonstrate our commitment to public health, active lifestyles, and progress.”

The governor further highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting Ibadan’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, and spurring economic growth.

Savvy Events Limited CEO, Miss Arinola Idowu, and franchise owner of the Ibadan Marathon, shared that the 2024 event is designed to celebrate the city’s unity, strength, and rich history, with the theme ‘ERE IDARAYA.’ She emphasized that the event aims to support small businesses, engage youth, and elevate the city’s brand.

The Ibadan Marathon is a joint initiative between the Oyo State Government and Savvy Events to position Oyo State as a hub for sports, commerce, and entertainment, in line with the governor’s agenda for infrastructural development and youth empowerment.

This maiden edition will feature a 42.195km race and a 10km fun run. The routes have been certified by GRADE A measurer Norrie Williamson and World Athletics, offering an exciting journey through Ibadan’s iconic landmarks. Both races will conclude at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on Saturday, November 2, starting at 7 am for the marathon and 10 am for the fun run.

Registration is now open at www.ibadanmarathon.com for both the 42.195km full marathon and the 10km fun run.

Share on Facebook