Rangers’ Abdu Maikaba play down preseason success’ importance to NPFL challenge

Technical Adviser of Enugu Rangers, Abdu Maikaba has sent strong warning to clubs finding their rhythms in preseason competitions not to get carried away as Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL will be different.

The Flying Antelopes have been churning out a not too impressive performance in the preseason games.

The 2016 NPFL champions finished last in the just concluded NPFL/DMF Super Cup in Lagos where Shooting Stars emerged winners.

Asked about his assessment to the club’s form so far in readiness for new season, the former Akwa United tactician admitted that the club aren’t well placed but believes winning a preseason does not guarantee league success.

“This is not to give excuses to how we are playing now, but let me say that winning the preseason tournament does not depict what will happen in the league properly,” Maikaba told media.

“Cases abound of preseason champions getting relegated at the end of the season but this is not an excuse for our poor performance at the preseason tournament”, he said.

Clubs in the NPFL are still intensifying preparations for new NPFL season as they await kickoff date from the Interim Management Committee.