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Tag: Gata

  • No panic in Enyimba’s camp – Gata

    No panic in Enyimba’s camp – Gata

    Ismaila Gata has said there is no panic’ in Enyimba’s camp despite their poor form in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The seven-time topflight champions stretched their winless run to four games, after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.

    The People’s Elephants now find themselves sitting in 13th position, three points above the relegation zone. But Gata believes that the squad has the quality to turn their fortunes around.

    “It is not nice to go four games on the bounce without a win and we have not played to the level that we are capable of, but there is no panic,” Gata told Goal.

    “We want to get back on a winning streak and the main thing is to look at ourselves and what we can do. We still have confidence in our own abilities.

    “I still believe that we have a great squad and that we can beat any side in this division when we are at our best.”

    The People’s Elephants will be eyeing a return to winning ways when they host MFM FC on Matchday 13.

  • Enyimba will overcome Sunshine, says Gata

    Enyimba will overcome Sunshine, says Gata

    Ismail Gata is optimistic his side can overcome Sunshine Stars in the week one of the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

    The People’s Elephants host the Owena Waves in a fierce fixture on Sunday.

    Gata is confident that the two-time CAF Champions League winners can emerge victorious against Sunshine Stars at the UJ Esuene Stadium.

    “Right now we have to play at our best elements, our goal is to win in Calabar,” Gata told Goal.

    “I am confident because the players have been working well. We drew 0-0 against Rivers United in a friendly match on Tuesday. That has given us the insight on what to expect from Sunshine Stars.

    “Sunshine Stars are a team that does things in the right way, they play good football, and move from defence to attack very quickly. We have to be prepared.”

    The NPFL encounter between Enyimba and Sunshine Stars will take place at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Sunday. Kick off is 4pm.

  • Gata confirms move to newly promoted ABS FC

    Gata confirms move to newly promoted ABS FC

    Kwara United forward Adeshina Gata has completed his move to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side ABS FC.

    The player, who was previously linked with three NPFL teams, joined the Henry Ayodele Makinwa tutored team.

    After rising through the ranks, he became a first-team regular and played a key role in Kwara United’s promotion to the NPFL in 2014.

    Gata’s progress in the last two seasons for Kwara United was hampered by persistent injuries.

    Gata said: “I’m very, very happy to be here. ABS FC is a team that believes in youths and I’m very proud to wear the shirt for this team and play in this league. My aim is to do everything I can to help make the supporters happy, to help out my teammates and to bring something extra to the team.

    “I know the team very well. I know this is an ambitious club with good  players and with a great coach. I’ve come here to ABS FC because it’s a very good move in my career to play for such a club. I am excited for the season ahead.”

  • Gata scores first goal for Ifeanyi Ubah

    Gata scores first goal for Ifeanyi Ubah

    Ismaila Gata registered his first goal for his new club, Ifeanyi Ubah in a 2-0 win over Rivers United in Match Day 23 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash on Sunday.

    The former Kwara United goal poacher scored the second goal in the 50th minute to take his season’s goals account to 10, after Wasiu Jimoh had opened scoring in the 23rd minute from an assist by Maduabuchi Okereke.

    Gata joined Ifeanyi Ubah during the just concluded mid-season transfer window.

  • LEAGUE TOP SCORER: I’m not under pressure, says Gata

    LEAGUE TOP SCORER: I’m not under pressure, says Gata

    Niger Tornadoes’ striker, Ismail Gata has said that he is not losing sleep over his intention to emerge as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) top scorer at the end of the season.

    The Ilorin-born striker is leading the top scorer’s chart with nine goals ahead of Wikki Tourists’ forward Godwin Obaje, Sunshine Stars’ Okiki Afolabi, Rangers Chisom Egbuchulam and Ibrahim Mustapha of El Kanemi Warriors with eight goals.

    Lobi Stars Anthony Okpotu, Sunshine Stars Wasiu Alimi and Rabiu Ali have seven goals.

    The former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan forward admitted that other players in the race for the gong have qualities, but he is confident that he would emerge the winner.

    “I am not under pressure to win it. It is a race and I am confident that I can win it. I will continue to do my best for the club and I know at the end of the day God will crown my efforts with success. I am not particular about my personal honour alone I’m also concerned about the greatness of the club too. If the club is doing well it will help me to succeed. I know with the help of God and my colleagues I can achieve it,” Gata told SportingLife.

    Meanwhile, the former Kwara United striker also said he and his colleagues have what it take to get a deserved point against Mountain of Fire and Ministries Miracle (MFM) FC in a Match Day 17 of the Nigeria Professional Football League at the Agege Stadium on Sunday.

    “Lagos is our town and I know the terrain very well. It is like any other match and we will try our best to get something out of the game,” Gata said.

  • My target is to score 25 goals, says Tornadoes’ Gata

    My target is to score 25 goals, says Tornadoes’ Gata

    Niger Tornadoes’ top striker,Ismail Gata believes he can score 25 goals in the Nigeria Professional Football League this season.

    Gata, who tops the goals chart with seven goals, stated that he’s hoping to score goals in every match to meet his season target.

    “I hope to stay fit and score goals in every match I play. I’m a striker and my duty in the team is to convert those chances and I’m hopeful that I’ll continue to score goals consistently,” he added.

    “The team spirit is splendid and that tantamount to everyone playing for each other.

    “My target this season is to score 25 goals and I know too well that it’s achievable. I will always do my best to help my team secure a win and also increase my goals tally.”