Inter Lagos part ways with head coach Giwa after poor NPFL start

Inter Lagos have parted ways with head coach Shakiru Giwa following a disappointing start to their debut Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign.

The newly promoted side sit at the bottom of the league table after struggling to establish themselves in the top flight, with Giwa’s departure leaving the club facing an early fight to secure their NPFL status.

Inter Lagos struggle in debut NPFL campaign

Inter Lagos secured promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) after an impressive campaign, raising expectations ahead of their first appearance in the NPFL.

However, the transition to the top flight has proved difficult, with the Lagos-based club struggling to maintain consistency against more experienced opposition.

Their campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Shooting Stars in Ibadan, although captain Uchenna Njoku made history by scoring the club’s first-ever NPFL goal.

Inter Lagos subsequently suffered a 3-0 loss to city rivals Sporting Lagos before responding with a 1-0 away victory over former African champions Enyimba in Aba.

The win demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level of domestic football, but their inability to build on that result has left them struggling for points.

Inter Lagos face crucial coaching decision

Giwa’s departure presents the club’s management with an important decision as they seek to revive their campaign and avoid being dragged further into the relegation battle.

The next appointment will be crucial, with Inter Lagos needing to improve their defensive organisation, become more effective in front of goal and find greater consistency across their remaining fixtures.

With the season still unfolding, the club must also ensure that any managerial change translates into improved performances and results on the pitch.

Inter Lagos target NPFL survival

Despite the difficult start, Inter Lagos had made their priorities clear before the season began, with survival identified as the primary objective of their debut top-flight campaign.

Club chief executive Lanre Vigo reiterated that ambition after the team’s 3-0 defeat to Sporting Lagos in September.

“We are a young team, we are growing. We are going to survive this league; that is our plan,” Vigo said.

The statement underlined the club’s determination to establish themselves in the NPFL despite the challenges associated with competing at the highest level of Nigerian domestic football.

Inter Lagos must now respond to Giwa’s departure with an improved run of results if they are to turn their difficult start into a successful battle for survival.

The post Inter Lagos part ways with head coach Giwa after poor NPFL start appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.