Rangers International of Enugu forward, Kevin Itoya, has been talking tough ahead of their Nigeria Professional Football League Match Day ten encounter against Kano Pillars at the Cathedral on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes hosts Pillars in what is arguably the biggest game of round ten this weekend.
Speaking to aclsports.com in an exclusive chat, Itoya revealed amongst other things that the Flying Antelopes are ready and ‘well prepared’ for their visitors from Kano.
“It’s just like every other game and we are well prepared,” Itoya said, when asked what the atmosphere in training was like ahead of the big game.
Itoya has been in very good scoring form Rangers, especially at home, where he scored in the 1-0 wins against Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors.
Despite this, the forward, who says ‘God’ and ‘hardwork’ have been the secret behind his match winning performances, does not consider himself the ‘go-to’ guy for the Coal City boys.
“It’s not all about me, we have players who can always get the job done. But of course, I am well prepared for the game and by God’s grace I won’t fail to take my chance when it comes.”
The last five games between the two sides have seen the Gbenga Ogunbote’s side end up on the losing side three times, with two wins, both coming at home.
Itoya is confident that Rangers will not only maintain their form at home against Sai Masu Gida but will take all three points on offer.
“We have a new mentality and the work rate in training is enormous,” he added.
“So, I don’t see us losing or even drawing this game.
“We [players] have rallied round ourselves and have decided to go all out for maximum points.
Rangers may have won their last two games at the Cathedral, but goals have been difficult to come by for them.
Rangers defeated Rivers United and El-Kanemi by a one-goal margin, with six goals scored in their eight matches so far this campaign.
According to the former Wolves forward, this is case because of a new approach by manager, Ogunbote, at the club. But he believes the Pillars game will be a different one.
“Well maybe it (the lack of goals) is attributed to the way we approached those games, our manager have imbibed a new approach in us. But I think tomorrow’s match will be different from others.”
Probed further on why he thinks the game against Pillars will be different, Itoya was evasive; “That’s our game plan, and it’s not to be revealed.”
Itoya, who is one of Rangers’ top scorers this season, with two goals, all coming at home, has a final message for fans of the club;
“We will make them proud.”
