NPFL Super 6: Finidi George laments early kick off schedule for Enyimba

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Head coach of Enyimba FC Finidi George feels early fixtures of 2:30 pm for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Super Six was not fair to his team and is harming his players’ recovery.

The People’s Elephants has played its first two matches in the early kick-off of 2:30 pm and will face Group A leaders, Bendel Insurance and the former international insists weather conditions are not conducive for his side.

“We got a draw in our first game which we deserved a win but it didn’t happen. It was a difficult and energy-sapping game,” Finidi told journalists.

“When you play a 2:00 pm match, it wasn’t easy and demanding for the players. At the end of the day, we deserve the three points even if it’s with a goal I think the defenders did a solid job.

“Everybody that we got in here can play. We had a couple of friendly matches to test the players and we will gradually give players minutes of play and see how we can get to the fifth game.

“We don’t make the rules. When the draw came out and we found ourselves playing three games at 2:00 pm, it was really demanding. You can see that I didn’t play the match but I am sweating. It’s really thirsty to drink water so we just commend Lobi Stars as well.”

After a 2-2 draw with Remo Stars on Saturday, the two-time African champions secured a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars on Monday to move top of the log with four points, the same as holders, Rivers United.

Up next, the Aba-based side will slug it out with Group A leaders, Bendel Insurance in another early kick  by 2:30pm on Wednesday.

Both sides qualified for the Super Six from Group A with Monday Odigie’s side earning a 1-0 win over Finidi’s side in Benin City while the return leg in Aba ended in a 1-1 draw.