Enugu State’s Coal City United FC head coach, Starplus Izuikem Anistar says the Nationwide league One side’s sight is firmly on the qualification ticket to the Nigeria National League ahead of their Monday’s promotional playoff tie with Dynamite Force FC of Edo State in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Coal City United FC defeated the other seven contestants for the sole NLO 1 Group E2B ticket at the Awka centre and Anistar whose team went unbeaten throughout the seven games said he was thrilled with his boys’ performance and expects a better outing in Yenagoa against Group E2A winners, Dynamite Force FC.
“I’m delighted that the team picked up the sole ticket at the Group E2B Centre in Awka having competed with strong opponents,” a relief Anistar told dasportstainment247.com exclusively.
“We had eight teams in our zone and if they are rated on the basis of strength and experience they are tactically balanced. The boys set out a target to take the games one after the other despite the calibre of the opposition.
“We crushed the seven teams we faced one after the other. Heartland Comets and Campos FC ties were among the toughest games we played at the centre.”
Anistar eulogized the owner of the club, Honourable Chukwuemelie Agu, the Managing Director Enugu State Housing Corporation for his moral and financial support to the team. He also thumbed up the sterling contributions of the club’s General Manager, Ifeanyi Ekwueme.
“We won the game against Campos FC for our General Manager, Ifeanyi Ekwueme who said he needed the three points in the game for bragging rights.
“The Coal City United was birthed last year out of necessity because there are so many young exceptionally talented players roaming around the streets of Enugu with no opportunity. Honourable Chukwuemelie Agu the Managing Director, of Enugu Housing Corporation took it upon himself to give back to society through it.
“He provided the platform and also recruited me as head coach because of my love for young players. He explained his visions and how he wants to help the players. I agreed.
“We came all out and with the experience of former Super Eagles midfielder, Ifeanyi Ekwueme who gave us directives and helped us. We were able to beat teams that were better rooted than us. We have not lost a game since the team was formed,” Anistar added.
Coal City United FC was formed last year with the objective to help young players in the South East and South South to have a better platform to showcase their talent and less than one year of its existence, the club is just a game away from the second tier of the Nigerian league, the NNL.
