BY SAB OSUJI

Sir Victor Nwangwu, Coordinator of Bishop Owen Nwokolo Football Academy, BONFA, has told Exclusivenews.com.ng that his inexperienced youngsters, BONFA, 'gifted' Ozalla FC two goals in their Neros Pharmaceuticals Ltd/Anambra FA Cup quarter final match Thursday at Rojenny Stadium, Oba, near Onitsha.

Ozalla, who are defending champions, eased past the 'Church' team 2-1 to set up a semi final confrontation against Solution FC. And Nwangwu, a former Enugu Rangers ace and equally ex Anambra FA Secretary, said after the gritty contest at Rojenny Stadium that his youngsters were naive and gave too much respect, time and space to their much more experienced foes, hence the defeat.

"First and foremost, I must commend my players for putting up such resistance against a team like Ozalla, who are defending champions of the Neros Pharmaceuticals Ltd/Anambra FA Cup", starts Nwangwu in a post match talk.

"These are just Secondary school boys, with just a handful of them who have finished their secondary education. They did well, I must say. Kudos to them for their resilience.

"It shows that the future is bright and that they can only get better. They gave too much respect to the Ozalla team earlier in the game. They gave them too much time and space on the ball, hence we're punished with that first, early goal.

"But latter on, when they began to pay attention to our tactical details, the game changed, but then, it was a little too late.

"But it's clear the potential is visible in the team, in the players. It's just a question of time and the team will attain great hights".

He would go on to hint that club is focusing on the forth coming Provincial Church Football Competition, though he came short of disclosing the date and details of the competition.

"Our objective is to show strong presence and compete well in the Church competition, I mean the Provincial Church Football Competition. That's our prime target.

"We are just using the FA Cup as a learning curve. Don't forget, we're also taking part in any competition available, including the Anambra State Football League. These are aimed at exposing the players and, giving confidence to hold their ground on the big stage".

Nwangwu will go on to heap praises on the Bishop on the Niger, Bishop Owen Nwokolo, for his vision in floating the football academy as well as his financial and moral support to the team.

"We can't thank His Lordship enough. His vision in setting up the team, his moral, material, financial and spiritual support is incredibly amazing", Nwangwu said.