Dolphins FC Coach, Zachary Baraje, has said his club’s 3-1 loss to Sharks FC on Saturday at the Sharks FC Stadium may be because they used a second string side.
After beating Sony Ela Nguema on the road last weekend, players like Ifeanyi Egwim, Isiaka Olawale, Festus Austin, Seidu Abuu and at least five other members of the starting line up in that game were left out.
Baraje said they were forced to play that team because of the injuries to key players in Malabo.
He said: “The truth is that we did not use key players and that was because of the injuries we got in Malabo.
“If we use the Dolphins team you know, there is no way we can lose to Sharks but that is life.
“We hope to have players back for the game on Wednesday against Jigawa Golden Stars.”
The 3-1 loss to Sharks on Saturday is Dolphins’ worst loss to Sharks since the formation of the club in 1990.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Demua Ledee Demua, has offered to sponsor an award for Most Valuable Player in Dolphins games starting from this weekend.
Demua says his partnership with Dolphins is real and will continue all through the season.
At the start of the League, he was present at the home game between Dolphins and Sunshine Stars and presented a huge cash gift to the players of Dolphins after the difficult win.
For the CAF Champions League 1st round 2nd leg game in Port Harcourt between Dolphins and Sony Ela Nguema, Demua has said he is going to mobilise fans from his LGA to watch the game as well as institute a Most Valuable Player award for Dolphins that day.
He said: “I am part of Dolphins and will do my part to support the team.
“We have to be innovative and there are many ways to encourage players so I have decided to do my part and hope the boys will raise their game.”
After discussions between Demua and Dolphins Media Officer, China Acheru, the Most Valuable Player will be voted for by sports journalists who watch the match.
Dolphins won the 1st leg 3-0 with goals from Emma Nwachi, Chidi Ocuchukwu and Ifeanyi Egwim.