Fixtures & Kick-Off Times

• Invictus vs Impavidus | 12:00 PM | Training Pitch 1
• Tenacious vs Magna | 2:00 PM | Training Pitch 1
• Unicus vs Exypnos | 4:00 PM | Training Pitch 1

Gameweek 3 is here. Invictus and Impavidus look to bounce back from defeats. Magna is aiming for the top while Tenacious is seeking redemption. Meanwhile, the league’s top two sides, Unicus and Exypnos, lock horns in a highly anticipated battle. Here’s our full pre-match analysis and press conference ahead of the fixtures.

Invictus vs Impavidus: Must-Win Clash for Both Sides

Both Invictus and Impavidus are still searching for their first points of the campaign.

Invictus suffered a narrow 1-0 loss in Gameweek 2, conceding from a penalty. Their coach acknowledged that while the defence performed well, the team needs to find ways to score goals. They are focusing on leveraging their “energy, mentality, and strong belief” to secure a win.

Impavidus was defeated 2-1 in Gameweek 2 after their coach stated they would “go all out” against Magna, following a heavy 6-0 loss in Gameweek 1. Their coach believes the team is improving, but acknowledged that playing matches immediately after tests has negatively impacted the performance of their attackers. He feels their attackers lack the “cutting edge”, not due to skill but due to a lack of mental and physical preparation compared to other teams.

Tactical Preview: Impavidus’ coach plans to play “much better” against Invictus than they did against Magna. Invictus’ coach stated their defensive plan is for the defenders to continue their good work, and it’s now up to the attackers. This match could depend on which team’s offence can find its rhythm and convert chances.

Form So Far:

• Invictus: 1-2 loss vs Magna (GW1), 0-1 loss vs Unicus (GW2)
• Impavidus: 0-6 loss vs Exypnos (GW1), 1-2 loss vs Magna (GW2)

Tenacious vs Magna: Tenacious Seeks Redemption, Magna Looks to Build Momentum

Tenacious is looking to bounce back from a string of losses, including a Super Cup loss, a 1-0 loss to Unicus, and a 2-1 league loss to Exypnos. Their coach emphasised the importance of remaining solid defensively and avoiding conceding early goals. Despite only having one shot on target in Gameweek 1 and two in Gameweek 2, the coach has “full belief” in their attacking setup and expects a more clinical display.

Magna secured a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory in Gameweek 2 against Impavidus, with Obadire scoring a brace. Their coach stated they were “hungry for goals” and got two from Obadire, but also received five yellow cards. He believes the players are calm, and this should not happen in the next game. Magna’s coach expects consistent goal scoring and is optimistic about the next match, but feels Tenacious has arguably the best midfield in the league.

Form So Far:

• Tenacious: 0-1 loss vs Unicus (GW1), 1-2 loss vs Exypnos (GW2)
• Magna: 2-1 win vs Invictus (GW1), 2-1 win vs Impavidus (GW2)

Unicus vs Exypnos

Unicus edged out Invictus 1-0 in Gameweek 2, with Ezekiel converting a penalty following a 1-0 win against Tenacious in Gameweek 1. They controlled possession in both matches but have only scored once in each. The coach stated they are practising converting chances and making the most of any situation. Their game plan is to “outscore and outplay” their opponent.

Exypnos has had a dominant start to the season, winning their first two matches, including a 6-0 victory in Gameweek 1 and a 2-1 win in Gameweek 2. They have scored 8 goals in two games. The coach’s philosophy emphasises possession and immediate ball recovery higher up the pitch. He believes Unicus’ defence is solid but “not impenetrable,” and they will try their best to win.

Form So Far:

• Exypnos: 6:0 win vs Impavidus (GW1), 2-1 win vs Tenacious (GW2)
• Unicus: 1-0 win vs Tenacious (GW1), 1-0 win vs Invictus (GW2)

Coaches’ Press Conference: What they said ahead of Gameweek 3

⚔️ IMPAVIDUS vs INVICTUS

🔵 Impavidus – Coach Ologunti Thomas Oluwaseun (“Healer”)

Coach Healer, you’ve lost both opening games despite promising to go all out against Magna. Defensively, it didn’t come together again. What’s your analysis, and how do you plan to lift the squad and win back your fans?

“We went all out and our game was really impressive but at the last moment, football happened to us. To our fans —like I used to say —we are just developing as a team. We aren’t there yet but we will surely get there with challenges. I like taking difficult challenges because it prepares us for a greater feat.”

You called the Exypnos match a ‘training’ for the Magna game. Did it give you the tactical insights you needed, and how are you applying those ahead of facing Invictus?

“Well, we learnt something different from the two matches. And that’s ‘improvement.’ We are really improving. We just need to play much more better than we did against Magna with Invictus.”

Your team showed glimpses of threat on the counter last week, but still lacked the final product. What’s being done to sharpen your attack before facing Invictus?

“This is where the problem is. We have been playing the match under pressure and duress. We finish test then we move straight to the pitch to play a match. This has had a negative impact on the performance of most of my attackers—especially in the match against Magna. It’s not that they lacked the ‘cutting edge’ but they are just not well prepared for it mentally and physically compared to other teams.”

🔴 Invictus – Coach Oladimeji Oluwatobi John

Coach, another narrow loss last time out. You said the defence needed work—did they improve, and how are you going to solve the lack of goals?

“It was quite an unfortunate situation again in the last game as we lost the game due to penalty. The defense really did their work as promised but wasn’t just enough to prevent the goal. I think the defenders are good now. We just need to find out how to score goals and as much as possible.”

Impavidus has struggled defensively, but that improved in the last match. How is this going to affect your game plan for this match?

“Like I said earlier, the defenders did their part extremely well during the last game, and now it’s left for the attackers to do theirs.”

You’ve talked about your team’s belief and energy. How are you channelling that into a win this weekend?

“Nobody wants to lose the game, but sometimes we aren’t just lucky. We have spoken with the team that regardless, we are the Invictus Gladiators, and we don’t back down. We will give it all of our energy.”

⚔️ MAGNA vs TENACIOUS

⚫ Magna – Coach Afolabi Peter (“Rocky”)

Coach Rocky, a comeback win last week, but five yellow cards raised eyebrows. How do you keep the attacking fire while avoiding disciplinary issues?

“Those who watched the game understand that the referee was trying to protect the opponent because of differences in physique. The players are quite calm, that should not happen in the next game.”

You said you need ‘goals, goals, goals.’ Will set pieces continue to be key against Tenacious?

“We should have scored more in the last game but it’s what it is. Different games, different spells. We are optimistic about the next one.”

You’ve dominated possession so far. How do you plan to use your possession advantage to break down their defence and prevent their attacking outlets from being effective?

“Well, they have arguably the best midfield in the league. It’s a big game and the explanation should be on the pitch.”

🟡 Tenacious – Coach Tomisin Obindo

Coach: Tomisin Obindo

Two losses from two, despite winning the Super Cup. How are you working to rebuild confidence in the squad and among the fans?

“Our immediate focus is on sharpening our decision-making and composure in the final third. We’ve identified that confidence, especially in the opening stages of games, has been lacking, and that’s something we’re actively addressing. We’re working hard on building cohesion and clarity in our attacking transitions, and I’m confident that the improvements will soon be evident on the pitch.”

Magna has been strong in midfield. How are you tactically approaching this clash?

“At this stage, I’ll keep specifics within the team. Tactical integrity is vital, and while we acknowledge Magna’s strengths—particularly in midfield—we’re preparing in a way that aligns with our identity while countering their key threats. Rest assured, we’ve analyzed the data thoroughly and will be making calculated adjustments.”

Despite some second-half control last game, only two shots on target. What’s missing in the attack, and how are you fixing it?

“You’re absolutely right—we showed much more control in the second half, and it’s worth noting that Exypnos failed to register a shot on target during that period. However, dominance in possession must be matched with end product. We’re focusing on more incisive movement and execution in the final third. Small tactical tweaks are being made, and with the talent we have, I believe we’ll soon convert performances into positive results.”

Tactical Preview: Tenacious will likely focus on defence and potentially counter-attacking, while Magna will aim to use their possession advantage to break down Tenacious’s defence. The midfield battle will be key, with Tenacious possessing a strong midfield.

⚔️ UNICUS vs EXYPNOS

🟣 Unicus – Coach Bankole Timileyin Joseph (“Joey”)

Coach Joey, two wins, no goals conceded—but only a penalty secured the last one. What’s being done to solve your finishing issues before facing a dangerous Exypnos side?

“The team has been practicing on how to convert chances and make the most of any situation.”

Against a free-scoring Exypnos, do you still intend to play as attack-minded as before, or will you adjust your tactics?

“We will do what we know how to do. While our game plan might be slightly different, our players will be ready to go on the offensive whenever there’s a chance.”

Your team’s had a good number of set pieces. Will that be a key strategy again against Exypnos?

“Yes, set pieces are great but we won’t sit back and wait for them. We have a strategy in place to win irrespective of set pieces. They’ve a good defense, but we’ve found a crack in their armor and we intend to exploit that.”

🔵 Exypnos – Coach Victor Adewumi (“Cupid”)

Coach: Victor Adewumi (“Cupid”)

Coach Cupid, two wins from two. How do you keep the momentum going, and were there any weak points last game you still want to improve?

“We can’t expect to defeat them by 5 goals again when it’s not as if they came to the pitch to play. For the next match, the players are extra motivated to do well. No need for any changes. The boys have been doing well.”

VanDijk leads your scoring from midfield, and others are chipping in. How vital is that spread of attacking contributions against a strong Unicus defence?

“Everyone is doing their job on the pitch. Attackers score, defenders prevent goals from being scored. It’s simple. Unicus defense is pretty solid but not impenetrable. We will try our best to win, and that entails scoring.”

You’ve praised your “Thomas Tuchel” philosophy—pressing and possession. How do you plan to apply that against a Unicus side that also enjoys having possession?

“Unicus with 55% possession? That’s not my concern. Mine is to set up my team to win”

Tactical Preview: This match features two teams that prioritise possession. Unicus is looking to exploit a “crack in their armour” that they have found in the Exypnos defence. Exypnos’ coach is focused on setting up his team to win and is not concerned about Unicus’ possession stats.

With each team bringing a mix of firepower, tactical recalibrations, and raw ambition, Gameweek 3 could be the most dramatic yet in this IFL campaign. Stay with MediVoice for exclusive IFL 4.0 coverage, post-match breakdowns, and more. To read our post-match analysis and league scoreboard from Gameweek 2, click here.