Inter Lagos interim coach Olusanjo Olutayo has raised concerns over the technical foundation and tactical understanding of players competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), following his side’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Ranchers Bees.
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Sports247 reports that Olutayo expressed frustration with his players’ inability to execute basic instructions, suggesting that deficiencies in their football education were affecting the team’s tactical organisation and overall performance.
According to the coach, the problem goes beyond match-day pressure, pointing instead to foundational issues that should have been addressed during the players’ early development.
“It was a foundational issue, what the players were taught from scratch. It affects the tactical system,” Olutayo said.
He questioned how professional footballers competing in the country’s top division could still struggle with basic technical requirements, particularly in midfield.
“How can you teach a midfielder in the league, some 12-year-old players basic technique?” he queried.
The Inter Lagos coach also dismissed mental pressure as the primary explanation for his team’s struggles, insisting that the club had sufficient resources and personnel to compete.
“I don’t care about the mental pressure; we have enough components there,” he stated.
His comments followed a frustrating afternoon for Inter Lagos against Ranchers Bees on Sunday.
Qoyum Akinpelu gave Inter Lagos an early advantage from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, but the visitors responded through Oscar Gabriel, who found the equaliser in the 60th minute.
Olutayo admitted that Ranchers Bees created more opportunities and applied better pressing during the encounter. He was particularly disappointed that his players failed to remember and implement instructions worked on during preparations for the match.
The result leaves Inter Lagos rooted to the bottom of the NPFL table as they continue their search for a first league victory of the campaign.
With results yet to improve, Olutayo’s comments have brought renewed attention to the importance of grassroots football education, technical development and tactical understanding in Nigeria’s domestic league.
