NNLMD2: Nasarawa United In High Spirits Ahead Of EFCC FC Tie In Abuja

By Sedara Philip

Still basking in the euphoria of their perfect start to the 2023/24 Nigeria National League Season, Nasarawa United are leaving nothing to chance as they fine-tune preparations for a show-down against next door neighbours, EFCC FC of Abuja, on Friday afternoon.

The team had a feel of the match venue on Thursday evening, undertaking the final rehearsals as both coaches and players set sight on the blockbuster clash against their familiar opponents.

Both sides last met in the final of the Abuja Unity Pre-Season Tournament, a year ago, at the Area 3 Football Field, Abuja, and tomorrow’s meeting will see the re-ignition of hostility between the two zonal football power houses.

Speaking ahead of the match, Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United FC, Adams Usman, told the Club’s Media that his wards are in high spirits to continue from where they stopped against Zamfara United in Lafia, during the curtain raiser, nearly a fortnight ago.

“All hands are on deck for tomorrow’s match. We are fully prepared; no shaking; no tension.

“We decided to come out this evening to have a feel of the playing turf.

“No much difference between Lafia and Abuja. We are almost done with the preparation for this game, unless for the real deal on Friday(tomorrow).

“We are coming out in full force to get victory.

“Hopefully, it would be double victories for us tomorrow – Our Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, was victorious at the Appeals Court today (Thursday), and United are also on their way to the Premier League!”

Club’s Captain, King Osanga (MON), raised the bar of expectations ahead of the contest, assuring of amassing the maximum points on the road.

“We all know what is at stake. We don’t need any reminder.

“Tomorrow is game-day. We will wear our game’s faces, and God willing, victory will be ours as we won’t leave this territory without getting something positive, because we understand the atmosphere we currently find ourselves and how to reward the latest heartwarming development.”

Much earlier, Chairman of the Club, Dr. Othman Ibrahim Ahmed, accompanied by his Management Officials, had charged members of the team to go all out to achieve victory against their hosts.

“Without being told, you know today means so much to Nasarawa State and our sports-loving Governor.

“We should crown this day by doing the right thing tomorrow(Friday) when we face EFCC FC in the NNL match-day two fixture.

“We have met your expectations before, and tomorrow is another day.

“I want to assure you you can do it again. If you settle victory for another thing, it will be a huge mistake.

“The Governor was scared the first time, but he is very comfortable with the decision, and waited for the right time, and now, he is a victor.

“We are not here to watch our opponents play. We have come to win, and once you win, you will receive your boost because the week has been full of encouragements.

“Let’s use tomorrow’s match to make a statement that Nasarawa United are on their way back to where we rightfully belong to.”

Nasarawa United are currently 2nd on the nine-team Group C table with three points, while EFCC are lying on 8th position with no points, after suffering a 5-0 thumping in the hands of Wikki Tourists FC in Bauchi, two weeks ago.

The EFCC versus Nasarawa United’s game is scheduled for the Area 10 Football Field, Old Parade Ground, Abuja, by 4pm.