Doma United manager Deji Ayeni demands swift response after Kano Pillars defeat

Doma United head coach Deji Ayeni says his side must respond immediately when they face Plateau United in Wednesday’s Nigeria Professional Football League fixture.

The Savannah Tigers suffered a 2-0 defeat by Kano Pillars at the weekend, ending an impressive unbeaten run. Ayeni believes the result should serve as a warning rather than derail his team’s progress.

Speaking exclusively to Completesports.com, Ayeni said the reaction to a defeat was more significant than the setback itself.

“If you watch very well, football is very dynamic; sometimes you lose matches and sometimes you win. But the action after a defeat is what matters most to us right now. The Kano Pillars match has come and gone, and we cannot reverse it. It serves as a wake-up call to remind us that there are no permanent champions, and it exposes areas we need to refine.”

The Doma United manager said his technical staff had concentrated on mental preparation, tactical organisation and effective attacking play ahead of the meeting with Plateau United.

The side are targeting three points as they attempt to regain momentum, although Ayeni stressed that their approach must remain balanced between attack and defence.

“We need to go back and prepare mentally, psychologically, emotionally, and physically to make sure we bounce back immediately. Our target is the three maximum points. The best form of attack is to defend, and the best form of defense is to attack. We are going to attack to get our goals while remaining cautious, keeping our defense compact and resolute.”

Ayeni’s comments came after Doma United’s unbeaten sequence was brought to an end by Kano Pillars. The Savannah Tigers will now have the opportunity to respond in another midweek fixture against Plateau United.

For the Doma United coach, the defeat has provided an opportunity to identify weaknesses and correct them before the team returns to action.

His players will aim to carry out that response on Wednesday, with victory needed to put the weekend disappointment behind them and restore their early-season momentum.