Bala Nikyu, Head Coach of Nasarawa United Football Club, has assured the club’s supporters and fans that the team would end the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) 2019/2020 season in the top three positions.
Nikyu made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia on Friday.
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He said his pledge to meet the target hinged on his team’s improved performances in pre-season fixtures, especially its triumph at the just concluded 2019 Pre Season Ahlan Cup competition.
The head coach his optimism was also due to the vast experience the team had garnered in the NPFL.
Nikyu, who said that the team’s extensive pre-season preparation gave them a psychological competitive advantage over other teams, further assured fans that the 2019/2020 season would be a success.
“The truth is that every team, including Nasarawa United, aspires to be the champion or at least come second or third but not every team will achieve that goal.
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“But I want to assure our supporters and fans that, with the preparation put in so far, the boys are ready and Nasarawa United will end the season at least in the top three.
“We will work hard to achieve that goal so that at least, we can secure a continental ticket at the end of the season,” he said.
He also attributed his confidence in his team’s capacity to end the season in the top three to the support by the Abdullahi Sule-led government and the Chairman of the club, Abdullahi Osanga.
“We have the maximum support of the government of the day and the management of the team is also working hard to see that no unfortunate incident affects our performances.
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“The support we received over welfare is commendable and as we are all aware, the welfare of players goes a long way to affect players’ performance on the pitch.
“The only thing left for us is to work harder and pray for success,” he said.
Nikyu disclosed that the club had recruited two more players to strengthen the squad in positions where the team might have a concern when the season begins.
“For instance, during the Kano tournament, we had a little problem at the left-back and we were lucky to pick a player in Kano and he is doing well in that position now.
“We picked another boy who is an attacker, to give us options upfront and I can assure you these players will add value to the team when the season kicks off.”
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He called on supporters and fans to rally behind the team and come out en masse for every home fixture to support and encourage the team to victory.
NAN reports that the NPFL 2019/2020 season is expected to kick-off Nov. 3, but Nasarawa United is not expected to play because the team’s opponent, Enyimba of Aba is currently on continental duty.
