Ahead of Match Day 2 of the 2026 Benin City Youth League, Benin Warriors Football Club head coach, Nelson Dafe has said his team is focused on finishing as high as possible in this season of the League.
The Benin Warriors take on Westgate on Tuesday, March 24, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital mini-stadium at 9 am.
Benin Warriors impressively began their 2026 campaign with a dominant 4–0 victory over Sparrow Football Club in Match Day 1, and the coach believes the team must remain focused despite the strong start.
Speaking ahead of the match day 2 fixture, Dafe said the team’s ambition for the 2026 season is to compete strongly and maintain consistency throughout the campaign.
According to him, the league is very competitive with many strong teams, but his side will focus on themselves and their style of play.
He also revealed that the team faces a difficult schedule, playing two matches in two days — against West Gate on the 25th and Dynamo Academy on the 26th — a situation he described as a major test for his squad.
Arsene Wenger as fondly called, noted that the tight schedule will test the depth of the team, stressing that both opponents are traditionally strong teams known for playing good passing football.
The tallest manager in the league, added that his players must be at their best physically, tactically, and mentally to get good results from the two games.
He emphasised that emotional intelligence, belief, and tactical discipline will be key for his players, especially in managing different moments of the game and winning 50–50 battles on the pitch.
When asked which team he fears most in the league, the multi-linguist said all teams are strong but mentioned traditionally strong sides such as BJ Foundation, Raleigh, and Dynamo Academica as clubs with winning history and good management structures.
Despite acknowledging the strength of other teams, Dafe expressed confidence that Benin Warriors can compete with any team in the league this season.
He concluded by saying his boys respect their opponents but believe they are capable of finishing among the top teams at the end of the season.