Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia’s attacking winger Ibrahim Olawoyin has warned Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Plateau United that his team are prepared to get “nothing less than three points” when they face off in a league clash on Sunday.
Both sides are presently in the relegation zone of Group B in this season’s abridged league and will clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday but Olawoyin believes his team is adequately prepared to beat their opponents in the Match Day 11 encounter.
“We are fully ready mentally and physically for the game. Our aim is more than before to get nothing less than the three points at stake in the game,” Olawoyin told www.aclsports.com on Friday.
Abia Warriors’ form at home this term has been anything but impressive. A coaching uncertainty at the start of the season meant they lost their first game at home to Go Round FC. They have also dropped further points in Umuahia against Gombe United and Akwa United.
Olawoyin believes these are part of the game and insists his team are ready to turn the corner imminently.
“In football, you win, lose or draw. It is very painful to have dropped points at home in those matches but I have the confidence that the phase has passed and we are going to end well by the end of the season,” added the Osun state-born youngster.
The 18-year old has been a regular feature in the Warriors lineup this season under head coach Henry Makinwa following his switch from sister club Abia Comets at the start of the season. Being his first season in Nigeria’s top flight, Olawoyin admits it has not been easy.
“It is not easy playing in the NPFL for the first time. The level is obviously high and the competition is tough among players and teams. I am coping well though and I believe that with time I will make a name for myself,” said Olawoyin.
Abia Warriors vs Plateau United is one of ten NPFL games scheduled for Sunday as the league returns after the mid-season and election break. Both teams have the same number of points (11) and identical goals difference (-2) with Warriors having a game in hand.
