For most of the concluded half season, El-Kanemi Warriors coach, Issa Ladan Bosso never let any opportunity pass without expressing his dissatisfaction with the quality of his squad, blaming it essentially on his late arrival to the team from Abia Warriors.
Bosso, the contended that he inherited a squad that was trying to blend with some new recruits he brought in. All that seem to have given way to high expectations as the coach is now saying it on roof-tops that the squad is primed to take on all comers.
It may be an exaggeration but Bosso, after his side thumped former league leaders, Rangers International 2-0, declared that his team will be the toast of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) during the second round that starts on Sunday.
Bosso ascribed Rangers defeat to the superior fire power of his players especially, operating from the flanks.
"You can see the display and pace of the game, especially the offensives by my team, it's a game plan that worked perfectly and yielded an instant result", declared Bosso.
He was not disrespectful of the Rangers side that lost in Maiduguri and was quick to describe the team as a strong side that is capable of competing for trophies in this league.
"Rangers have a formidable team that has enjoyed continuity and they could as well win titles. My team has young minds with little experience in the likes of Umar Zango, Isaac Hele Hele and Suleiman Dorri, but the good thing is that the boys adhere to instructions and the zeal to play burns like fire. That is a team that can compete as well", reasoned the one-time Kano Pillars coach
"The home fans have been worried about our form on the road which has yielded poor results but we are working on making amends as the second stanza kicks off. There will be new signings before the window closes and we intend to fortify every department", offered Bosso who declined to give names of players they are looking to bring over.
Bosso has set his sight on leading El-Kanemi up the log, targeting a top three finish at the close of season.
"I have always been a confident coach from the outset and nothing is impossible in football. We want to replicate same form displayed in our home games against Warri Wolves on Sunday and hopefully start a new road form in Bauchi against to Wikki Tourists by midweek. These matches will be approached with all sense of win win mentality', vowed Bosso
El-Kanemi Warriors moved out of the relegation zone after beating the Flying Antelopes and are currently 13th on the log with 22 points from a possible 54. The Warriors host Warri Wolves this Sunday.