Gombe United Coach Bala Nkiyu Calls for Improved Finishing After Season Opener Win Over Sokoto United
Gombe United head coach Bala Nkiyu has acknowledged the need for his team to improve their goal-scoring efficiency despite securing a 2-0 victory over Sokoto United in their season opener last weekend.
The Savannah Scorpions triumphed in a solid display, but Nkiyu pointed out that his side failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities during the match. The team was dominant in possession and created chances, but the coach believes there is room for improvement in converting those chances into goals.
In a post-match interview with Gombe United media, Nkiyu said, "We will continue to work hard, correcting our lapses. It wasn’t a bad game because we created goal-scoring chances, but we were not clinical enough to convert them. We will work on that." He added that he was proud of the team's performance, especially given that the squad is relatively young and has a lot of potential to grow.
The coach further emphasized that, while the first match of the season was important, the team must aim to improve in the upcoming fixtures. "It’s a very young and highly amenable team and I believe they will do better in the next game," he said, expressing confidence in the team’s future performances.
Gombe United will look to build on the victory when they face Zamfara United on Saturday, December 21, in their next league match.
Opinion: Gombe United's Potential Shines Through, but Clinical Finishing Will Be Key to Success
Gombe United’s season opener was a positive start, but Coach Nkiyu’s concerns about goal-scoring efficiency are valid. A 2-0 win is a solid foundation, yet the inability to convert numerous chances is something that could come back to haunt them against tougher opposition. While the youthful squad clearly has talent, it is crucial for them to develop the sharpness needed in front of goal.
The good news is that the team has time to improve, and with Nkiyu’s focus on addressing these lapses, they should become more clinical as the season progresses. The pressure to finish chances will only increase as the season intensifies, and the team must work on developing a ruthless edge in front of goal.
In a competitive league like the Nigerian Premier League, where every point counts, a more clinical attack could be the difference between a strong finish and missed opportunities. Coach Nkiyu’s belief in his team is commendable, but the young players must match that belief with improved performances in front of the net.
