Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem and Ninh Binh's stars are on the verge of winning the National Cup

Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem accomplished something many thought impossible: turning Ninh Binh from an ambitious yet unstable group into the strongest candidate for the 2025/26 National Cup championship.

The most noticeable aspect isthe Thanh Hoa-born coachis helping stars like Hoang Duc, Van Lam, and Fred Friday deliver their best versions at the crucial stage of the season.

The emphatic 4-1 win over The Cong Viettel in the semifinal was more than just a final ticket. It was a powerful statement thatNinh Binhis entering its most dazzling phase since the start of the season.

Few forget that before Chu Dinh Nghiem's arrival, Ninh Binh endured a period of instability despite having a squad rated among the V-League's strongest.

Coach Albadalejo's team once had a 36-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, but consecutive losses then shook their confidence.

The leadership had to make changes to rescue the season. The decision to trust Chu Dinh Nghiem now appears wise. The coach, who won three V-League titles with Hanoi FC, quickly made his mark.

The first thing he achieved was bringing balance to the team. Ninh Binh is no longer a squad dependent on individual star inspiration but has become a synchronized system. The biggest beneficiary is likely Nguyen Hoang Duc.

For many months prior, the Vietnam national team midfielder often had to shoulder the playmaking burden. When the team struggled, all eyes were on him. But under Chu Dinh Nghiem, Hoang Duc is freed from the pressure of doing everything.

Coach Nghiem built a more energetic midfield with support from Van Thuan, Quang Nho, Friday, Duc Chien, and surrounding players. As a result, Hoang Duc returned to his strength of making a difference at decisive moments.

His goal against The Cong Viettel in the semifinal is the clearest evidence. Not only Hoang Duc, but many other Ninh Binh stars are also being revived.

Van Lam continues to be a reliable last line. Under a more organized defense, the overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper no longer has to make constant saves. His solidity greatly boosts the team's confidence.

Gia Hung is maturing steadily. Bao Toan keeps making an impression whenever given a chance. But the most representative name for the effect ofCoach Chu Dinh Nghiemis probably Fred Friday. The Nigerian striker had a disappointing spell, with a dozen matches from the end of the first half to the end of the second half being lackluster. However, since working with Coach Nghiem, Friday has been a different player.

Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem understands Friday better than anyone, as the two previously worked together in Hai Phong, maximizing the striker's potential.

The result is the player's outstanding late-season performance, especially against V-League runners-up The Cong Viettel. All four goals ofNinh Binhbore Friday's imprint.

That is the image of a complete center-forward and an extremely dangerous weapon for the upcoming final. At this moment, Ninh Binh stands before the chance to win their first major title under Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem.

The final at 6:00 PM on June 14 will be an opportunity for Chu Dinh Nghiem and his players to cap off a memorable season.

After overcoming Hanoi FC to finish in the V-League's top three and convincingly defeating runners-up The Cong Viettel, Ninh Binh FC has full confidence to aim for the championship trophy.