Zubairu: Remo Stars’ game was tough

 

By Taofeek Babalola

Gombe United Coach Aliyu Zubairu has admitted that it was a tough encounter playing with 10-man Remo Stars in the week 12 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in Ikenne, Ogun state.

Savanah Scorpions were forced to a barren draw in Ikenne despite the fact that Remo Stars played with a man down as each player worked to cover for the sent off player.

Dayo Ojo got the marching order in the 43' after a reckless stamping on Igbudu Apam.

The match which kicked off at 4pm in the evening on Sunday was called off after the referee Ukah Nduibisi from Imo state refused to come out from the dressing room for the second half as he was alleged to have been assaulted.

The players waited on the pitch for almost an hour waiting for the match officials; it was later communicated that the match would not continue.

The match which later continued at 8:15am on Sunday morning with the reserve referee taking charge after the referee refused to continue with the match for alleged assault on him, was full of tension; caution and anxiety.

Both sides missed pockets of goal chances especially in the 81th when Lucky Vandi who beat his marker from the right before sending a ferocious left footed shot from the edge of the box only for goalkeeper Bankole Kayode to make a fingertip save.

Speaking after the game, Zubairu: " When they got the red card, I said the match is going to be difficult for us as every single player from the opposing side will work extra to  cover up for the missing player, all the same we thank God for the point ."

Despite some lapses, the Savannah Scorpions gaffer applauded his lads for their doggedness and perseverance.

On their next fixture against Elkanemi Warriors, which is a northeast derby, Zubairu said any team at the bottom is like a wounded lion, hence, they're going to take the match with all seriousness.

The match day 13 will come up on Sunday 9/4/23 at the Pantami stadium, Gombe by 4 o'clock in the evening.