Coach Bisoye Henshaw of Magic Stars Football Club has confidently stated that his team’s impressive unbeaten run in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) is no coincidence.
The team secured the only playoff ticket at the Legacy A centre by winning seven of their nine games and drawing the other two, mirroring last season’s group-stage performance.
In an interview with Sports247 ahead of the upcoming playoffs, Henshaw emphasized that the Magic Stars have maintained their high standards this season and are better prepared to make a significant impact.
“We proved last year’s run was not a fluke,” Henshaw stated. “We’re here to demonstrate that again this season.”
He praised the improvements in league organization this year, particularly in scheduling and officiating.
“This season, the level of organization has been far better than last time,” he noted. “The intervals between matches were better distributed, and everyone faced the same challenges. I must commend the significant improvement in refereeing.”
Magic Stars have continued their unbeaten streak from last season, showcasing disciplined, high-tempo football. According to Henshaw, this consistency results from strategic planning, team unity, and an unwavering work ethic.
“Before each season, I set achievable goals for myself and the team,” he explained. “We adopt the same mentality: to believe, to work hard, and to show the world that we belong at the top.”
Looking ahead to the playoffs, Henshaw expressed full confidence in his squad’s readiness to compete against the best teams from other zones.
“Of course, we are prepared,” he affirmed. “There’s a saying: if you want to be the best, you must beat the champions. We’re ready for that.”
Although this is still a young team, having played together for about four to five years, the management has provided everything needed for success. “There are no excuses,” he added.
When asked about the secret to the team’s consistent performance, Henshaw pointed to discipline, self-reflection, and a clear footballing philosophy.
“Hard work pays off,” he said. “As a coach, you must have a playing philosophy and instil that in your players. It’s not always about results. When you lose, don’t blame the referee; look inward, understand the problem, and fix it.”
He concluded with a strong message to their playoff opponents: “We’re not leaving anything to chance. We’ve worked hard to get here, and now it’s time to finish the job. We’re going all out.”
With confidence, cohesion, and an unwavering belief in their philosophy, Magic Stars FC are poised to chase glory once more and prove that last season’s success was just the beginning.