Coach of the Nigeria National League side, Smart City FC, Adenuga Adegboyega, has assured fans the club’s Super 8 qualification hopes are still alive.

 Mr Adegboyega gave this assurance during an interview after their goalless draw against fellow Lagos side, Inter FC Lagos.

The local derby, a 2024/2025 NNL Match Day 16 fixture, was held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena and ended in a stalemate.

Both teams had goals disallowed for offside, flagged in the 89th and 52nd minutes respectively, leaving the match goalless.

Smart City FC winger Ayinde Ramon expressed regret over his side’s failure to convert chances into goals.

He said, “We fought for three points, but it’s painful we didn’t win despite our effort.’’

 “It’s football — you win, lose, or draw. For us, this draw feels like a loss,” he added.

Mr Adegboyega blamed bad luck for his side’s inability to secure a win in the tense encounter.

He said, “I believe luck deserted us. We prepared well and played hard, but the result was disappointing. We’ll return to the drawing board. Our next away game is crucial, and we aim to win. Our Super 8 qualification hopes are not over. We still have a good chance.’’

(NAN)