NPFL: Olusanjo Olutayo Slams Inter Lagos Players After Nasarawa United Defeat

Inter Lagos interim coach, Olusanjo Olutayo, has criticised his players' attitude and application after their 2-0 home defeat to Nasarawa United in Sunday's NPFL Matchday 9 clash.

Nasarawa United punished a slow start from the hosts, going ahead in the first half through goals from Kelechi Ogbobo and Ugochukwu Leonard. The early goals left Inter Lagos chasing the game, and Olutayo was visibly frustrated by his team's lack of organisation and fight in the opening period.

Olutayo admitted that his short time in charge meant some of his tactical ideas were yet to settle in, but he insisted that effort and intensity should not need time to improve.

"In the first half, it was very disappointing, incredibly disappointing, in terms of just application, certain principles we have talked about, and certain character elements. We knew that with a short turnaround period between my arrival and the game, certain principles would not be smooth, certain mistakes would be made, and it was something that we expected. What we did talk about that doesn't require any time on training is effort, intensity, reaction in certain situations, and in the first half, that was not there”.

The coach also pointed to his side's poor reaction after losing possession.

“Certain behaviours, certain actions, and, after losing the ball, how we reacted in the counter-press, that was not good enough. From the midfield, very open, the back pressing from the striker, from the midfield, was not good enough to support the defensive work of the backline, and so in that sense, it is very, very disappointing.”

Olutayo warned that such recurring lapses could be behind the club's struggles in the league. He will now focus on improving defensive transitions, pressing, and overall application as Inter Lagos look to bounce back and revive their season.