NNL: Kogi Utd Boss Rates ABS High despite loss in friendly

The Chairman of Kogi United Football Club, Alhaji Abdul Adama believes that Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC has what it takes to compete favourably for a Premier League place in the forthcoming season.

Adama, who was the pioneer Chairman of the Saraki club made the remark after watching his side, Kogi United defeat ABS FC 1-0 at the Confluence stadium in Kogi early yesterday.

The only goal of the match, arranged to test the readiness of the two teams for the NNL tune-up was scored by Jamilu Rilwanu, who converted a 32nd minute penalty to give the Lokoja-based club the victory.

Adama said that he was impressed with what he saw of the new-look ABS FC, even as he charged the players to work hard to achieve the dream of leading the team back to the Premier League. He was particularly impressed that ABS FC could raise a formidable team having lost over 24 players to other clubs.

ABS FC lost 23 players after the team’s relegation last season, and the technical crew, led by Coach Moshood Adebayo were handed the task of assembling new team that would compete in the 2013/2014 NNL which begins later this month.

While assessing his team, he said that he was not moved with the result, but believed with time, the technical crew would produce a formidable Kogi United that will do well in the league.

After the game, Kogi United coach, Fatai Osho expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance, but noted that there is more to do for him to produce a better team.