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| Shooting Stars await ruling on relegation fate |
ABS FC have apologized to their fans after they got relegated from the Nigeria Professional Football League on the final match day, but Shooting Stars believe there is still something to hope for.
ABS needed to win in Lafia against Nasarawa United then hope for other results to go their way to escape the drop but eventually they lost 2-1 to the hosts who were not in any way benevolent.
Director of Football of the club, Alloy Chukwuemeka in a statement released on Monday apologized to fans of the club, saying, relegation was not part of what the club bargained for at the start of the season.
He added that although the club started the season on a bright note, they were later affected by what he called “the usual Nigeria football environmental factors”.
Chukwuemeka however expressed hope that with the solid football management structure in his club, they would make a quick return to the premier League next season.
"With our sustainable football management structure I can assure you that we will bounce back to the NPFL soonest because that is where we belong.
"The objective of our proprietor, Bukola Saraki, for the club was to give young boys a lifeline through football.
"We have been able to achieve this as we had three of our victorious NPFL/LALIGA U-15 Promises boys playing in the main team now.
"Few of the other young players we discovered may also move on to bigger clubs too.
"The beauty of it is that we have plenty talents in Kwara and Nigeria in general and we will discover more when we start the season," Chukwuemeka said.
Chukwuemeka apologised to the fans for the embarrassment brought them with the relegation but assured them the team will bounce back sooner than expected.
Shooting Stars wait for succour from League Management Company/ Gombe United
Shooting Stars on the other hand do not believe they have been relegated as they wait on the result of an inconclusive Match Day 38 fixture.
After a 2-0 loss in Lokoja to Niger Tornadoes, Shooting Stars were placed in bottom 4, but now hope the game between Gombe United and Wikki Tourist that did not finish will be concluded.
A statement from the club’s media officer, Jubril Arowolo put up on social media on Monday went, “The entire Shooting Stars FC appreciate the concerns of all about our 0-2 loss to Niger Tornadoes yesterday but we await the outcome of the Gombe United-Wikki abandoned tie (the game was disrupted in 27 minutes of play) before our final standing.
On clear term, we are not relegated yet. Thanks.”
According official league table released by the League Management Company on Tuesday morning, they are await the report of the game between Gombe United and Wikki Tourists.
Wikki Tourists were one goal up at the time the game was abandoned. Shooting Stars need Gombe United to win the encounter to be free of relegation.
Remo Stars and Gombe United were relegated before Match Day 38 and have been joined by ABS FC.
One of Shooting Stars or Wikki Tourists will add to the number.