Ahead of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season, Chairman of Nasarawa United Football Club, Barr. Isaac Danladi, is optimistic that the Club can outperform its previous records in the elite domestic in the new season
The Interim Management Committee, IMC saddled wit managing/organsing the league is yet to issue a statement on the date for the new season to resume.
Addressing the Club’s players and officials shortly after holding a Pre-Season training session at the Jos International Stadium, Plateau State, on Friday morning, Danladi believes that Nasarawa United are in prime position of competing with any opposition on their day and hopes the consistency could be found when the 2022/23 League Season kicks off, which allows the Solid Miners to return into contention for much improved performances.
“The close camping here is to enable us have full concentration ahead of the task ahead of us.
“There’s no cause for alarm based on what I have seen so far.
“We appreciate everyone for the relative peace, and if we continue on this path, the sky will be our limit coming Season.
“We are going to work with a manageable size of players this coming Season so that we can properly address the needs of each player on our payroll.
“So, I am here to encourage you and say that the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule is solidly behind the team and its members.
“Though it’s election period, but the Governor has assured us that coming Season would be better than the previous ones in the area of both moral and financial support. I am very optimistic that with hardwork we can surpass our previous performances by God’s grace.”
Since making a managerial return to the Club, four seasons ago, Coach Bala Nikyu, has come closest twice to winning the League title, and once to winning the Aiteo Federation Cup.
Under his watch, the Lafia-based side lost a second spot finish on the last day of the 2020/21 League Season which would have equally earned them a CAF Champions League place.
His team also were losing finalists at the 2021 Aiteo Federation Cup, missing a CAF Confederation Cup opportunity by the whiskers to Bayelsa United via spot kicks.
In the 2021/22 NPFL campaign, United overcame the odds to end on 6th position, a position the Club’s gaffer felt was unsatisfactory.
“I appreciate the Chairman and Management of the Club for the support you always give to the team.
“Last Season, we missed vital opportunities at the nick of the League Season. Though we merited to be among the teams to celebrate, but God’s time is always the best.
“We are glad that the Government is investing much in the team with the hope of winning laurels.
“Some good legs, mostly young but promising talents, have been brought in, to add to the existing quality players we already have, and I strongly believe that with the right approach, we should be challenging for the title next term.
“As coaches, we are already working hardly to blend the squad, improve our pattern of play, change our mentality, maintain consistency throughout the season, and pray well.
“If we can uphold those, I don’t see any reason why we should not win, at least, a title next campaign, be it the League or FA Cup.”
After spending two weeks in Abuja, including participating in the 2nd Edition of the Unity Pre-season Tournament where the team came 2nd, Nasarawa United have switched environment to Jos, Plateau State, where they would hold fourteen days close camping where they will play some graded friendly matches.
A few weeks ago, the Solid Miners unveiled some new acquisitions with the aim of recruiting a few more to complement the existing squad, before the new League Season kicks in.
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