The coach who replaced former Super Eagles boss Finidi George at Enyimba believes his Elephants are ready but wants his attackers to step up.
Yemi Olanrewaju, the newly appointed permanent coach of Enyimba FC, has expressed confidence in his team's readiness for the upcoming 2024/2025 NPFL season, despite a narrow 1-0 defeat in a recent pre-season friendly against Rivers United.
The 32-year-old tactician, who took over from former Super Eagles boss Finidi George, believes the People's Elephant are "80% ready" for the new campaign.
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However, he acknowledges that there's still work to be done, particularly in the attacking department.
"The only finishing touch needed is scoring goals," Olanrewaju stated after the match in a video posted by NPFL guru Fisayo Dairo on TikTok. "That's the only thing we need to work on. Defensively, I think we are good."
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The coach's assessment comes from a string of pre-season matches, including games against Akwa United and Rivers United.
Despite the lack of goals, Olanrewaju who is living his dream in Aba praised his team's defensive solidity, noting that they've managed to limit chances created against them, even in away fixtures.
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"If you play Akwa United, play Rivers United away from home and nothing was created against your team, I think that's a decent one from us," he added.
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"But we need to do more offensively, honestly. That's the only thing lacking."
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The friendly against Rivers United, coached by Olanrewaju's former boss Finidi George, ended in a 1-0 defeat for Enyimba, with a deflected late goal in the second half deciding the encounter.
Despite the result, Olanrewaju remained upbeat about the performance.
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"This was a good game with a lot of intensity, the same with Akwa days ago. I think we are ready for the league," he said, also highlighting the team's physical preparedness.
Olanrewaju's journey to becoming Enyimba's permanent coach came after a spell as interim manager following Finidi's departure for the Super Eagles role.
Now, as he prepares for his first full season in Nigeria's top flight, Olanrewaju faces a baptism of fire in his opening fixture.
The People's Elephant are set to face Heartland FC in Owerri this weekend, a team managed by another Nigerian football legend, Emmanuel Amuneke.
This high-profile matchup will serve as Olanrewaju's first real test and could set the tone for Enyimba's season ahead.
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Olanrewaju and his Enyimba will look to translate their pre-season promise into competitive success, starting with their challenging opener against Amuneke's Heartland.
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