The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Justin Tenger

  • Tenger faults former boss Bassey

    Tenger faults former boss Bassey

    Former Akwa United coach, Justin Tenger has said he quit the side’s coaching job due to the heartless posture of the technical director, Charles Bassey.

    The veteran tactician decided to quit his job after he secured the sides position in the top flight league but decided to keep silent on the reason until the burial of his elder brother who died on the eve of the sides last game at Kwara United in Lokoja, Kogi State.

    The elder brother was finally interred to mother earth on Friday, November 08 in Adikpo ‘London’ in Benue State.

    Tenger said Bassey’s insensitivity to the pain in his heart following the elder brother’s demise quickened his decision to walk away from the Uyo-based side.

    “My elder brother died at the eve of our crucial last day match at Kwara United in Lokoja and I stayed to ensure we got the vital point that cemented our status quo in the Premier League and the only sympathy I could get from the technical director, Charles Bassey was a demand for the immediate submission of my technical report.

    “How heartless he was, and to further demonstrate their disdain and heartlessness over the tragedy that befell, me nobody from the side was at the graveside with me nor offered any financial support to me during and after the period my brother was lowered down to mother earth.

    “Bassey was the main reason why I left Akwa United, he made things unbearable for the other coaching crew. There was nothing he didn’t do to see the side go down to relegation so as to paint the coaches black.

    “I’m not the only coach that has suffered in his hands other past coaches have had something negative to say about him. I don’t know why he chooses to be a problem to every coach coming to the side. I defeated him in the FA Cup in 1997 as BCC Lions coach while he was in-charge of Mobil Pegasus of Eket.

    “I had open confrontation with him in our game at Kwara United in Lokoja over his overbearing behaviour. I think the sides management should consider him as coach if they find him suitable so as to spare the next coach the agony of his uncouth behaviour.

    “Now that my brother has been laid to rest, the world should know it was Bassey that made me leave Akwa United,” said the former Niger Tornadoes coach to supersport.com.

    Tenger will however want the side to offset the N2.4 million owed to him as well as his October salary to avoid a legal battle with him.

    “Since they’re heartless I’ll treat them that way, they must pay me the N2.4 million they’re owing me as well as my October salary, failure of which will propt me to drag them before the NFF Arbitration Panel. I’m available for any side who need my services, I just have a season to end my coaching career,” said the former Kwara United gaffer.

     

  • Ariwa shocked by Tenger’s resignation

    Ariwa shocked by Tenger’s resignation

    Akwa United defender, Emmanuel Ariwa has expressed shock at coach Justin Tenger’s resignation from the Uyo club.

    Although Tenger was known to be annoyed by a publication which reported his sack, his resignation took Ariwa by surprise.

    When asked of his reaction, Ariwa told supersport.com: “I am not aware he has resigned because we’ve been on holidays. However, I am shocked that he decided to leave. I am dumbfounded and speechless.

    “I read about him giving the club an ultimatum to retract a report about his dismissal, but I didn’t expect it to come to this. I’ll have to call him to find out what exactly happened.”

    The former Niger Tornadoes player said Tenger’s departure would be a big blow to Akwa United.

    “We may have battled relegation towards the end of the season, but you can’t blame the chief coach for that. We drew some matches we dominated out of carelessness, but we were able to get it right in the end. Tenger had built a strong side and would have been in the best position to fortify the weak aspects of the team. It may not be that easy for a new coach who may even decide to start all over,” he reasoned.

    Ariwa joined Akwa United last season from Bangladesh side, Sheikh Jamal during the mid-season break.

    Akwa United finished in 16th place in the NPFL, and reached the semifinals of the Federation Cup.

  • Tenger relishes win at Wolves

    Tenger relishes win at Wolves

    Akwa United head coach, Justin Tenger has said his side’s victory at Warri Wolves is a strong indication they will escape relegation in the ongoing league season.

    The Uyo-based side pipped the hosts 1-0 in Saturday’s Glo Premier League Matchday 36 encounter at the Warri City Stadium. Akwa United defender, Uchenna Keke got the marching order in the grudge game.

    Striker, Emmanuel Enize’s goal in the 59th minute proved adequate to give his side the three points against the Seasiders in the 2012/13 season.

    Tenger, who spoke after the hard-earned victory, said pointedly that God will surely complete the good work He has started in his side.

    “Nobody but God gave us this victory and that’s why we’ve dedicated the hard-earned victory to Him alone.

    “We’re positive that the same God who saw us through to this hard fought victory will surely complete the good work He has started in us by ensuring we escape relegation at the end.

    “We’re overwhelmed by this victory and lack the appropriate words to express. I think our chances of escaping relegation have been brightened by this away win at Warri Wolves and our first win on the road in the season.

    “We’ll fight to finish in our last season’s home game against Kaduna United on Wednesday, we’ll fight hard to grab the three points which will immensely help our course to stay in the Premier League next season.

    “We’ll make the Uyo Township Stadium too uncomfortable for Kaduna United as we hope to use the encounter to prepare for the final showdown at Kwara United in the last game.

    “We can right now boldly tell whoever that cares to listen that Akwa United will keep their spot in the elite league,” said the former Niger Tornadoes coach to supersport.com.

    The victory at Warri Wolves has shot up Akwa United total points to 47 with two rounds of matches to wrap up the season.

  • Tenger blames wards for defeat

    Tenger blames wards for defeat

    Akwa United coach, Justin Tenger has blamed his wards for the defeat at Enugu Rangers on Wednesday.

    The Uyo-based side lost 1-3 to the Flying Antelopes in mid-week Glo Premier League Matchday 32 encounter at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

    Tenger said he is disappointed over his side’s loss as he had looked forward to grabbing at least a point at the Coal City side.

    “I came to Enugu to pick a point unfortunately it didn’t work out as planned. It was a close game and hotly contested by both sides but it was the hosts that came out unscathed. Rangers won and took the bragging rights because they’re able to convert their chances unlike us that fluttered our chances and have to return to Uyo empty-handed.

    “The four goals scored in the encounter by both sides were clean goals, I’m downcast by the defeat but not out of the race. We’ll intensify our fight for survival from relegation. The next match is around the corner. We’ll quickly return to Uyo to the drawing board to work on our mistakes for the next home game against Nasarawa United.

    “Nasarawa United should arm themselves heavily for the duel as they’ll receive thorough beating in the game. They’ll pay dearly for our defeat at Enugu Rangers,” said the former Niger Tornadoes coach to supersport.com.

    Akwa United’s defeat to Enugu Rangers leaves their points at 42 from a possible 96. The Uyo-based side pipped Enugu Rangers 1-0 in the first fixture at the Uyo Township Stadium.