Kubwa Football League: “We Have One of The Best Attacking Teams in The League” - Coach Aliyu Garba

Exclusive interview with Coach Aliyu

October 15, 2026

1d ago

Unbeaten Arewa FC take on Runners FC in a Week 4 clash that pits the league’s top two attacks against each other. Arewa lead the table but have yet to keep a clean sheet, and an injury list that grew over the week adds to Coach Aliyu Garba Ubale’s worries. He spoke to TipNGoal about the team’s fitness, its defensive record and why he refuses to talk about the title race this early. BATTLE OF FIRST AND THIRD COACH ALIYU GARBA UBALE’S RESPONSES 1. TipNGoal: What's the update on the team's Injury situation? Coach Aliyu: We have some injury concerns ahead of this match. Alex returned to training on Monday, but he could not complete the session. Henry is still a concern, while Abdul picked up an injury in our last match but tried to train on Monday. Kabiru missed Monday’s training, but Sagiru is back. Ishaku and John are still out, while Ozil is not yet fully fit, although he trained on Monday. We have one more training session tomorrow, and we will assess the players before making our final decisions. 2. TipNGoal: What's your take on Arewa’s Attacking Firepower? Coach Aliyu: Yes, we have one of the best attacking teams in the league, but we are not satisfied with what we have achieved so far. We are training hard to improve our attacking play because we know there is still more we can do. We must continue working hard and improving in every match. 3. TipNGoal: Are there any Defensive Concerns and should fans be worried? Coach Aliyu: Our defence is working hard to improve and become more solid. We have conceded five goals in three matches, and we know there is room for improvement. We have used two different goalkeepers in our three matches, but unfortunately, we have not kept a clean sheet yet. We are working collectively as a team to improve our defensive organisation, reduce the goals we concede and hopefully keep a clean sheet against Runners FC. 4. TipNGoal: Your next match is indeed a Battle of First and Third. What's your take on it? Coach Aliyu: A win in this match will be very important for the team and the players. We want to maintain our unbeaten record in terms of victories and continue building our momentum. We know it will not be easy, but we are determined to give our best. 5. TipNGoal: What can you say about Facing Runners FC? Coach Aliyu: Runners FC have some of the most experienced players in the league, perhaps more than any other team. That means we must understand how to approach the game tactically. We have to respect our opponents, prepare properly and play according to our game plan. 6. Tipngoal: Are there any lessons learnt from your previous matches? Coach Aliyu: We are working hard to improve our defensive performance. Our target is to keep a clean sheet against Runners FC, but we know we must work together, remain disciplined and avoid giving our opponents unnecessary opportunities. 7. Tipngoal: Are there any Pressure and Expectations ahead of the match? Coach Aliyu: We are working tactically to keep the players focused and prevent them from losing concentration. Everyone must remain disciplined and concentrate on their responsibilities throughout the match. We must believe in ourselves and execute our game plan. 8. Tipngoal: What's the Title Ambitions? Coach Aliyu: There are still many matches to play. This is only Week 4, so we are taking the league game by game. We will remain focused on each match, work hard and collect as many points as possible. It is too early to get carried away with title calculations. 9. TipNGoal: Any final words to Arewa FC Supporters? Coach Aliyu: I want to encourage our supporters to continue standing behind the boys and giving them confidence. Your support means a lot to the team. Please keep believing in us, keep supporting Arewa FC and remember us in your prayers. Together, we will continue fighting for success. What it means for the table Arewa FC lead with seven points from three games, with nine goals scored and five conceded. Runners FC have six points from two games and the league’s best goal difference (+5), so a win would put them on nine points and top of the table, with Arewa left on seven. For Arewa, a win would extend their lead to ten points and make them the one of the team in the league with an unbeaten record against the sides around them. A draw would leave them on eight points, one ahead of Runners, who would still have a game in hand. Arewa have scored plenty but also conceded in every match, which is why Coach Aliyu keeps stressing the clean sheet. Against a Runners side with the league’s best goal difference from only two games, that may decide the match. Coach Aliyu Garba Ubale has acknowledged Arewa FC’s injury concerns while expressing confidence in the team’s attacking strength and determination to improve defensively. With Runners FC bringing experience and quality into this Week 4 encounter, Arewa will be aiming for another victory and their first clean sheet of the season. CAN COACH ALIYU LEAD AREWA FC TO ANOTHER VICTORY AND A FIRST CLEAN SHEET AGAINST RUNNERS FC?

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