Kubwa Football League: “We Understand The Quality of Our Opponents” - Coach Lawal

Coach Lawal speaks!

October 15, 2026

1d ago

Week 4 of the Kubwa Football League brings a heavyweight clash as table-topping Arewa FC host third-placed Runners FC. Runners arrive full of confidence after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win in the Byazhi Derby, but injury concerns hang over the squad. Coach Lawal spoke to TipNGoal about Arewa’s strengths, his plan to press high and why his players must stay humble despite the derby win. COACH LAWAL’S RESPONSES 1. TipNGoal: What's the update of the team's Injury situation? Coach Lawal: A few of our key players are carrying injuries and might not be available for this game. We will assess the situation and see who will be fit enough to feature in this important encounter. 2. TipNGoal: What can you say about the derby comeback in your previous outing? Coach Lawal: It all comes down to discipline and character. The comeback showed the players’ fighting spirit, but we still have a long way to go. We must continue improving and remain focused on our objectives. 3. TipNGoal: What's your take on Facing Arewa’s Firepower? Coach Lawal: Arewa FC are a very compact team, showing stability in both attack and defence. They have quality players, so this is definitely not going to be an easy game. We know we must be well prepared for the challenge. 4. Your next match is indeed a Battle of First and Third. Walk us through how you plan to approach the game Coach Lawal: Arewa FC are on point, and we respect what they have achieved so far. However, football is decided on the pitch, so let us see how it goes. We will go into the game ready to give our best. 5. TipNGoal: What are the plans set aside on exploiting Arewa’s Weaknesses? Coach Lawal: We will do our best. We understand the quality of our opponents, and we will work hard to find opportunities while trying to contain their attacking threat. 6. TipNGoal: Do you think building on Derby Momentum can influence the result against Arewa FC? Coach Lawal: I always tell my players not to let a victory get into their heads. We still have a long way to go, and one win does not mean we have achieved our objectives. We must remain humble, disciplined and focused on the next challenge. 7. TipNGoal: What's your Tactical Approach towards Arewa FC? Coach Lawal: Press, press and press! We want the players to apply pressure, work hard and make things difficult for our opponents. We will approach the game with intensity and determination. 8. Tipngoal: What's the team's Title Ambitions? Coach Lawal: We will try our best. Our focus is to keep working hard, improve from game to game and compete as strongly as possible. We will see where that takes us as the season progresses. 9. TipNGoal: Any final words to Runners FC Supporters? Coach Lawal: I want our supporters to continue believing in us. Keep supporting the team and standing behind the players. Your encouragement means a lot to us, and we will continue doing our best to make you proud. Coach Lawal has emphasised discipline, character and humility following Runners FC’s dramatic 3–2 victory in the Byazhi Derby. Despite injury concerns, Runners FC are preparing to face an Arewa FC side known for its attacking strength and compact organisation. Coach Lawal’s message is clear: remain focused, press aggressively and never allow victory to create complacency. What it means for the table Arewa FC lead with seven points from three games and a goal difference of +4. Runners FC are third with six points from just two games, and their +5 goal difference is the best in the league. That means they have a game in hand, so this match is more important than the one-point gap suggests. A Runners win would take them to nine points, enough to go top unless Bonez FC (7 points) beat Uzum FC in Week 4 and reach ten. An Arewa win would take them to ten points and open a four-point gap over Runners, though Runners would still have a game in hand. A draw would leave Arewa on eight points and Runners on seven. BATTLE OF FIRST AND THIRD — CAN RUNNERS FC OVERCOME AREWA’S CHALLENGE AND MAKE A STATEMENT IN THE TITLE RACE?

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