Manager of Bet9jaSociaLiga side, The Guns FC, Tomi Akigbogun, has challenged his team to go all out for the kill ahead of their all-important playoffs tie against Raineri FC on Saturday.
Guns will have their hands full when they battle fellow Mainland Conference side, Raineri, for a spot in the semifinals billed for same day at the beautiful Vocational Center in Isheri, Magodo, Lagos.
Today, we will be looking at the first game at the #Bet9jaSociaLiga playoffs, the tie between two Mainland giants, @TheRaineriFC and @TheGunsFC_ , but with particular focus on #GUNs. #SociaLigaPlayOffs #MoreThanAGame
— The SociaLiga (@TheSociaLiga) November 12, 2018
Both sides finished second and third respectively in their Mainland Conference, setting up a playoffs clash with the winner to meet Conference champions, Bravos Knights for a place in the final of the 2018 Bet9jaSociaLiga season.
Speaking to the SociaLiga during his pre-match press chat, Tomi said with his team having met their initial target of a playoffs spot, despite a difficult start to the season, they have now set their sights on going a step further and then, possibly capturing the biggest of them all, the main prize.
“Well, this season didn’t get off to the best of starts but in true fashion we rallied and made the best of it and fulfilled our objective for the season which was to make it to the playoffs.
“Next is to prepare for each game like its our last, [and] from here on our every game is like a final and we intend to approach it with that mentality. We hope to make it to the final and lift the trophy.”
With just few days to the 2018 #Bet9jaSociaLiga playoffs, it's time to look at what and how the teams are preparing for what will be an exciting day for football. #SociaLigaPlayOffs #MoreThanAGame pic.twitter.com/vbOO12j14a
— The SociaLiga (@TheSociaLiga) November 12, 2018
The game against Raineri will be the fourth meeting between both sides, with two of the previous three matches coming in the 2018 season.
Guns have always had the upper hand in this fixture, and according to their boss, while they respect the Ghosts, he believes they will cause his side no troubles.
“They are an opponent we know well, an opponent that must be respected and taken seriously. However, we’ve not had trouble defeating them in competitive games and I wouldn’t expect my boys to start now.”
On his side getting complacent giving their impressive record against their Saturday opponents, Tomi added his team is motivated by the fear of losing.
“Nothing special to be honest, [and] as I have said, they are an opponent that deserves the utmost respect. Anything less than rapt attention could leave us as losers. The fear of that alone is enough motivation.”
They are an opponent we know well, an opponent that must be respected and taken seriously. However we've not had trouble defeating them in competitive games and I wouldn't expect my boys to start now #Bet9jaSociaLiga #SociaLigaPlayOffs #MoreThanAGame #RAIGUN
— Buen Chico (@Monsiuer_T) November 12, 2018
Guns maybe in the playoffs, but on several occasions this season they rode their luck, with what is the second leakiest defense in the Bet9jaSociaLiga.
Guns have conceded 11goals in six matches, with just All Black FC the only side to concede more, after the let in 16. However, Tomi is not worried that they will be facing the division’s most potent attack in Raineri.
“We’ve always handled them before,” he bullishly concludes. “I believe in my team, that they will do what it takes to carry the day.”