Abdul Maikaba, the head coach of Rangers, has analyzed the reasons behind his team’s defeat to Bendel Insurance in the recent Federation Cup match. According to Maikaba, the inability to convert chances played a significant role in their loss. The Flying Antelopes lost 1-0 to Bendel Insurance at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Wednesday, with Imade Osarenkhoe scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot late in the first half.
Maikaba praised both teams’ artistry in the game and congratulated Bendel Insurance. However, he believes that the match could have gone either way. Despite being a goal and a player down, Rangers continued to push Bendel Insurance back into their half but failed to convert their chances.
In the end, Rangers received a cheque of Seven Million, five hundred thousand naira for their efforts in the oldest club competition in Nigeria. Bendel Insurance, on the other hand, received double the amount and secured a ticket to compete in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Sports enthusiasts know that converting chances is crucial in football. It’s not just about creating opportunities but also about capitalizing on them. A team can dominate possession and create numerous chances, but if they fail to convert them, they risk losing the game. This is precisely what happened to Rangers in their match against Bendel Insurance.
In football, a team’s performance is judged by the number of goals they score. Hence, coaches always emphasize the importance of converting chances during training sessions. It’s a skill that requires practice and mental toughness. A player must be confident in their abilities and focused on the goal when presented with an opportunity.
As Maikaba rightly pointed out, their defeat to Bendel Insurance was not due to a lack of effort or skill. It was primarily due to the inability to convert chances. With this lesson learned, Rangers will aim to improve their finishing in subsequent matches and ensure that they capitalize on every opportunity that comes their way.
