Kano Pillars Technical Adviser, Usman Shariff Abdallah, has voiced his apprehension about Bayelsa United’s attacking capabilities as both teams gear up for their NPFL matchday 2 encounter this weekend, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Despite Bayelsa United's struggles last season, Abdallah remains cautious about their offensive prowess, which saw them emerge as the highest-scoring team in the league. This is noteworthy given their challenging season, which saw them languishing at the bottom of the table during the first half of the campaign.
“Last season, despite Bayelsa United being at the bottom of the table during the first stanza, they scored the highest number of goals, and many people overlooked that fact,” Abdallah, a former Assistant Coach for the Super Eagles, pointed out.
Abdallah, who recently assumed the role of head coach for Kano Pillars, began his tenure with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ikorodu City. The coach has outlined his defensive strategy, which he attributes to his team’s strong performance early in the season.
“In my philosophy, unlike other coaches, I’m more focused on not conceding goals. My team is always built from the back, whether we’re attacking or defending. I always ensure our defense is solid,” Abdallah explained.
Kano Pillars will aim to secure their second consecutive win when they take on Bayelsa United this Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. A victory would signify a promising start to the season for Abdallah’s side.
Oluwayemi Omolagba