The resurgence of Jigawa Golden Stars
What makes the case of Jigawa more interesting is the fact that right from the beginning of the season, the Golden Stars appeared like the whipping team in the NPL. However, after the ‘Lamido boys’ were hammered 5-0 by Rangers and humbled 1-0 by Heartland , they picked up themselves and travelled to Ijebu-Ode where […]
What makes the case of Jigawa more interesting is the fact that right from the beginning of the season, the Golden Stars appeared like the whipping team in the NPL. However, after the ‘Lamido boys’ were hammered 5-0 by Rangers and humbled 1-0 by Heartland , they picked up themselves and travelled to Ijebu-Ode where they were forced to 3-3 draw by CAF Champions League campaigners, Sunshine Stars of Akure. In their next away match against the other Akure side, Rising Stars, the Golden Stars got a well deserved 1-1 draw.
After the impressive results on the road, Jigawa returned home in the mid-week where they defeated Warri Wolves 2-1 setting off a massive run to escape the looming drop to the lower division.
Jigawa Golden Stars may not command the respect of many football fans but a look at the profile of the Technical Adviser and some of the hugely experienced players recruited during the mid-season transfer points to the fact that it is a team full of promises.
The technical adviser of the club, Coach Elvis Ogenyi is a veteran of the domestic league. After winning the Federation Cup with Ocean Boys of Yenagoa, he has handled, Lobi Stars, assisted Okey Emordi at Enyimba during their CAF Champions League campaign before moving over to Jigawa Golden Stars.
After a turbulent start to the season, the coach went for former Kano Pilars striker Bala Mohammed, got Chukwudi John from Enyimba, brought in former Enyimba, Heartland and Gateway striker, Oliver Agbo, as well as ex- Lobi player Sunday Okobi and Felix Benjamin from Ocean Boys to strengthen the team.
The arrival of these experienced players triggered off the present revival in the team. Ogenyi in a chat with Shot! explained the secret behind the club’s recent resurgence.
He said it is nothing more than the pep talk he gave to the players when they were on the verge of losing self confidence. According to him, he made his players to believe in themselves.
“My brother it is nothing much. When I discovered that the boys were losing confidence in their abilities, I sat them down and made them to realise their worth. I told them that they are among the best players in the NPL and should not take the back seat.
“I said it would be a shame if they allow Jigawa to be relegated. I talked to them about self determination and discipline. The moment they absorbed my lectures, we started doing things we could not do when the league started”, he disclosed.
Ogenyi said the government and management of the club have been most supportive. “We are getting the required support from the government and the management of the club. We are paid our salaries and match bonuses as and when due. We are not owed. However, we are waiting for the players’ sign-on fees and the clearance of some of the players we recruited”.
The coach therefore said the recent performances of Jigawa Golden Stars would not be a flash in the pan as he maintained that his club will have nothing to do with relegation to the lower division. “We shall have nothing to do with relegation”, he assured.