ABS, Kwara Utd in Last Minute Battles Against Relegation

 

The two teams will come out in a-must-win, Week 38 match of the NPL at home that will determine their fate in the 2012/2013 soccer season.

The ABS currently placed 15th on the league table with 49 points from 37 matches. They would engage the Ocean Boys of Brass, Bayelsa that had failed to honour at least three matches in previously.

The encounter with the Ocean Boys had been fixed to hold at the University of Ilorin pitch because of NPL’s decision to stage all the last matches simultaneously across the country.

The might have been reached by NPL to stem any plans for sell out of the matches.

The Kwara United would on the other hand slug it out with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at the Kwara Stadium, Ilorin.

The United is currently 14th on the table with 50 points from 37 matches. They would need a maximum three points win from the match to await results from other centres to decide their fate.

However, the visiting 3SC undoubtedly would also need an away victory, if they are to finish in the top three to secure a continental ticket in the 2012/2013 African Confederation’s Cup.

In an interview with newsmen in Ilorin on Wednesday, Mr Olayioye Ajide, the Media Officer of Kwara United said because of the importance of the match, the team would avoid a compromise result.

``We know that if 3SC are playing in Ilorin, it is like home, just as when we play in Ibadan. We know the rivalry between the two teams and we are not going to compromise.

``We understand the politics in last matches like this. Many clubs are interested in the results from the match and so, we are not going to leave anything chance,” the media officer said.

According to him, players have been sensitised on the importance of the match as it can decide their fate of remaining in the premier league.

He vowed that the `Afonja Warriors’ as United are known by their fans, would come all out to secure the maximum points.

Meanwhile, ABS, would not only need to wallop the Bayelsa-based club, but need impressive results from the other centres to ensure their continued stay in the premier league.

Ocean Boys are 20th on the table with 27 points from the 34 matches were already on their way out of the league.

Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Manager of ABS appears optimistic that his club would not be relegated.

``ABS will not be relegated at the end of the season. We are preparing very well against Ocean Boys and we need to win well against the Yenagoa side.

``Our present position on the table is not good for us because I believe that we are one of the best teams in the Nigeria Premier League.

``We play one of the best brands of football in the League and it won't be good that we are relegated.

``With a good win against Ocean Boys, I am sure that we will not join other clubs in fighting to escape relegation. We are not going to take chances against Ocean Boys.

``Every club is doing its best to survive. We cannot allow complacency to set in at this time of the season. Our supporters will smile at the end of the season,’’ Chukwuemeka said.

It is only a matter of a few more days to seal the fate of the clubs to remain in the league and those to kiss the premier league good bye.

But it is certain that given the final minutes preparations, soccer fans will be entertained with good soccer at the weekend.