Bayelsa United coach, Meremu Okara has blamed poor finishing and a defensive error for his team’s defeat, insisting they did enough to at least earn a draw, Platinum News is reporting.
Bayelsa United suffered a 1-0 defeat on the road to Abia Warriors in matchday 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2025/2026 season.
Okara while responding to journalists after his side’s defeat registered his displeasure at how his team failed to make it count when it mattered most.
“The game of football is all about goal scoring, and creating chances, we didn’t take it. As the major team, they scored one due to the carelessness of our defender. We created about three good chances, but we didn’t take them, so that’s the difference,” he said.
Speaking on his tactical setup, Okara explained that his plans were disrupted by injury and enforced changes at halftime.
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“Chinedu picked up an injury, and we changed a midfielder. We changed one of the strikers, but we still play 4-3-3, one true, but just had luck.”
Despite the result, he insisted that his side did not deserve to lose the game.
“This is not a game you should have lost. There’s no way we wouldn’t have gone with a draw, or we need the game. We created two solid chances, everything we did in training came to play, but towards the final execution, it was bad.”
The coach also acknowledged that the relegation battle is not what any team can be confident of escaping as it stands.
“Nobody is safe now in the fight against relegation,” he noted.
Ahead of the team’s next game at home to Wikki Tourists, Okara called on the fans to continue their support as the team pushes to secure safety.
“Just for them to come out and support us as they have always done, then we’ll give them the game, win it, and we’ll get the three points,” he added.
Bayelsa United are currently sitting 16th on the log, with the same points (40) as 17th-placed Remo Stars.
Audio Credit: Fisayo Dairo
Photo: Complete Sports