Fixtures & Kick-Off Times
- Exypnos vs Tenacious | 12:00 PM | Training Pitch 2 Arena
- Impavidus vs Magna | 2:00 PM | Training Pitch 1 Arena
- Invictus vs Unicus | 4:00 PM | Training Pitch 1 Arena
League leaders Exypnos look to extend their dominant start against struggling Tenacious, while Magna and Impavidus battle to maintain momentum, and Invictus face a tactical test vs Unicus. Here’s our full pre-match analysis of the Gameweek 2 fixtures.
Exypnos vs Tenacious: League Leaders Face Formidable Test
Exypnos head into Gameweek 2 brimming with confidence after their ruthless 6–0 hammering of Impavidus. Van Dijk and Tolu were instrumental in tearing apart defenses, and the pair will once again be the players to watch as Exypnos look to maintain their blistering form.
Tenacious, meanwhile, faces a steep uphill battle. Winless in their opening fixture, they struggled for attacking threat, managing just a single shot on target last time out. Defensively, their frailties were exposed by Unicus’ pace and fluidity, and the coach’s job will be to tighten up the midfield and backline to withstand the onslaught.
Tactical Preview: Expect Exypnos to dominate possession again. Tenacious must keep it compact and hope to counter.
Impavidus vs Magna: Redemption On The Line For Impavidus
After suffering a 6-0 drubbing, Impavidus face a stern test against a confident Magna side fresh from a 2–1 victory over Invictus. Magna’s DM Paul has been key, linking up for goals with Obadire and Pulisic via set pieces last game.
Impavidus must improve defensively and show composure, especially in transition, or risk a repeat of their heavy defeat. Discipline and tactical rigidity will be essential if they are to disrupt Magna’s rhythm and mount a comeback.
Tactical Preview: A mentally tricky game for Impavidus. Magna looks more balanced and potent at this stage.
Invictus vs Unicus: Tactical Chess Match Expected
Both sides are known for tactical discipline. Invictus showed promise despite their narrow loss to Magna, with Mateen providing an attacking outlet but still needing more creativity from midfield. Unicus, on the other hand, controlled 60% possession in their 1–0 win over Tenacious and boasts a well-drilled backline.
This promises to be a tight contest decided by fine margins, with midfield battles and set-piece execution likely to be decisive.
Tactical Preview: Could be a low-scoring game. A moment of brilliance might be all that separates them.
Coaches’ Press Conference: What they said ahead of Gameweek 2
Impavidus Coach on Defensive Struggles & Morale
Coach: Ologunti Thomas Oluwaseun (Healer)
After conceding six goals to Exypnos last week, you now face another high-intensity team that fired seven shots on target in their opener. What’s your defensive approach for this game?
“We played defensive style of football with Exypnos which really cost us a lot. With Magna, we go all out.”
That 6-0 defeat must have hit morale hard. How is the squad feeling heading into this next challenge?
“Well, I am not surprised we were beaten 6–0. If they could beat Tenacious, the current Wale Okediran Champion 5–0, then I guess beating us shouldn’t be something special. Our match against them was a training in preparation for the match against Magna. Our confidence still remains the same, we learnt something different, and we are now hungrier for a win.”
Fans are understandably anxious after that result. What message do you have for them, and how will you restore belief to climb off the bottom of the table?
“To our greatest fans out there, there is no shortcut to success. It comes with challenges. So, believe in us.”
Invictus Coach on Defensive Shape & Game Plan vs Unicus
Coach: Salaudeen Abdulmateen Ifeoluwa
Your keeper made five saves against Magna but still conceded twice, both from corners. Is the defensive shape causing concern?
“Well, there is. It was quite a disappointing game last week Saturday against Magna, but regardless, the keeper made several saves just like you have said. It’s a challenge for us as a team to concede two goals from corners, but we have, over the week, learned from our mistakes so we don’t have the same situation again. We have improved our defensive shape to play effectively against our next opponent.”
Unicus dominated possession last game with 60%. Do you plan to disrupt their rhythm or rely on counters?
“We have put several instructions in place to match the Unicus team. They won their last game, which shows they are not here to play, but on Saturday, we will see how it goes as we have all hope it will be a better game than the last one.”
Both sides scored only once last week. What gives you confidence that your team can find the net more frequently and get the three points?
“Humm well, I think my boys are ready, and a win is needed in this particular game as a comeback from last week’s defeat. We have the energy, mentality, and strong belief our style of play will earn us 3 points in our game against the Unicus chiefs. Thank you very much.”
Magna Coach on Finishing & Defensive Plans
Coach: Afolabi Peter (Rocky)
Your team registered 14 shots with seven on target, but only scored twice. Facing an Impavidus side that conceded six last game, how will you improve your finishing?
“Yeah, like I said in the last press conference, I just want to see multiple goals in the net. Creating multiple chances is a big improvement. Let’s see how much we can score tomorrow.”
Impavidus will be desperate to bounce back. What’s your defensive plan to shut them out?
“Football is played on the field. They have promising talents to be honest. Defensive plan? Let’s see.”
Set-pieces worked well for you last time. Should fans expect more of the same or more open-play chances?
“I’m just hungry for goals. Expect it anyhow, just as I am also anticipating.”
Tenacious Coach on Fitness & Bounce-Back Strategy
Coach: Tomisin Obindo
Rotimi missed your last game, and another key player went off injured. How fit is the squad ahead of Exypnos?
“Regarding fitness, we’re optimistic about having Rotimi back for the next match. Richie, who had to be subbed off due to injury, has been putting in the work and is making strong progress. Overall, the squad is pushing through, and while there are still a few uncertainties, we’re prepared to adapt and give our best regardless of who’s available on matchday.”
After back-to-back defeats, including a Super Cup loss to Exypnos, what’s your plan to bounce back?
“After two tough losses, including one against Exypnos, our primary focus is to remain solid defensively and avoid conceding early. While I can’t delve into specific tactics, I can say the team has been working on a strategy aimed at restoring confidence and delivering a much better performance.”
You had just three shots, only one on target, last game. Do you believe your attack can turn things around?
“Absolutely. I have full belief in our attacking setup. We’ve identified areas that need improvement and have been addressing them in training. The team understands the stakes, and I’m confident we’ll see a more clinical display in front of goal this time.””
Unicus Coach on Finishing & Lineup Rotation
Coach: Bankole Timileyin Joseph
Your team had four shots on target last game but scored just once. How are you working to sharpen finishing before facing Invictus?
“Coaching crew has focused more on scoring and shooting the ball ahead of our match. Also, the intensity of shooting practices has increased. The guys are getting hungry for more goals and everyone is sure to notice in our next match.”
Invictus have a strong attacking pedigree and a keeper who made five saves last game. What’s your game plan to outscore them?
“In the next match, the game plan is simply to out score and outplay our opponent. We already know what we know how to do and what we have to do to beat invictus.”
You made just two subs last game, leaving several on the bench. Should fans expect more rotation this weekend?
“Yes, you can expect more rotation in the next match.”
Your team earned six corners last match but failed to convert any. Will set-pieces feature more going forward?
Exypnos Coach on Midfield Battle & Discipline
Coach: Victor Adewumi “Cupid”
You dominated possession 70-30 last game. Tenacious contested 40% possession last match. How will you approach the midfield battle?
“Tenacious has the best midfield in the league, no doubt. Strong players with high intensity, but we will try and control the game by not letting them have a sniff or find the space to use ball.”
You dismantled Tenacious in the Super Cup. Expecting a similar result or a more balanced match this time?
“No two football match is the same in the ground leather game. That we won the last encounter doesn’t mean we will win this. I’m sure the Tenacious team are more determined than ever and are orchestrating their revenge. We will see how it goes. The game is going to be more balanced but we will try to win it. We will stick to our game plan and do what works for us.”
You received two yellow cards despite the win. Is discipline a concern going forward?
“Football is a contact sport and it is nearly impossible to play without fouling your opponent. It’s part of the game. Discipline is not an issue. I’ll be angry if my team finishes the first half of any game with their jerseys clean. You leave your all on the pitch as if it’s your last match and that entails doing what you have to do, even if it involves a tactical foul.”
WOF and Timi made late appearances last game. Should we expect more minutes from them? Also, will Bush return in goal?
“You saw the quality that they (WOF and Timi) bring to the team. They gave us another dimension to attack and approach the game. And yes, they will get more minutes. You will see who will start in goal in the matchday line up.”
Exypnos remains the team to beat this season, but Tenacious will be desperate to halt their momentum and restore pride. Magna looks to build on their confidence while Impavidus fights to avoid slipping deeper into trouble. Meanwhile, Invictus and Unicus could deliver a tight tactical battle that might go down to the wire. Gameweek 2 kicks off tomorrow with all the intensity and drama fans expect — stay tuned for exclusive coverage, analysis, and post-match reactions only on MediVoice.
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