NPFL 24: Heartland Pitch Good For Athletics, Not Football, Says Ogunmodede

NPFL 24: Heartland Pitch Good For Athletics, Not Football, Says Ogunmodede

By Precious Oham

Head Coach of Remo Stars, Daniel Ogunmodede has berated the bad state of the pitch at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, describing it as good for athletics and not football, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking with journalists after his team lost by 3-1 to Heartland FC, Ogunmodede said the pitch in Owerri prevented his players from displaying their best in the game. 

According to him, the hosts forced his side to play to their game adding that the two goals they conceded into stoppage time was due to lack of concentration. 

"The most woeful game for us this season because we played in the most woeful field in the league. We were running helplessly for 90 minutes. It would have been better to have an athletic competition here rather than having a football competition. 

"We lost concentration and we were dealt with. For me, it's difficult to defend from 1st minute to 90 minutes. That is what we tried to do with the nature of the pitch and we can't play our game. They forced us to play their game due to the nature of the pitch. We couldn't defend till the end and fight the battle of area balls and they took advantage of it."

Despite the defeat to Heartland, the Sky Blue Stars still maintain the top spot on the log on 29 points with a superior goals difference to Lobi Stars.