Supporters of Nasarawa United Football Club, on Thursday, celebrated the team’s qualification for the 2023/24 Nigeria National League Super Eight Play-offs.
Led by its Chairman, Jibrin Ali ‘Baggio’, the supporters marched from the Lafia City Stadium down to the junction of the Lafia-Jos highway at Bukan Sidi with the bands serenading the colourful event as onlookers joined the train.
Speaking to the Media, Chairman of the Supporters’ Club, Jibrin Ali ‘Baggio’ said,
“We have decided to stage this walkout rally in view of our team’s qualification for the NNL24 Super Eight Play-offs from our Conference which was earlier considered as the Conference of death because the Group had teams like El-Kanemi Warriors FC, Wikki Tourists FC, Zamfara United FC, and the likes.
“Even though picking the Super Eight Play-off ticket isn’t the same as gaining promotion to the elite domestic football league, but it is a prelude to that stage because we are optimistic of our team’s success in the Super Eight competition, God willing.”
The Chairman appreciated those who continue to render support to Nasarawa United and the Supporters’ Club to put up sterling performance in the league and the Federation Cup.
“We are grateful to our father and number one financier, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, for all their supports to the team and the members alike.
“We are also grateful to the entire Management and Staff of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development headed by Honourable Jafaru Ango for guiding the State’s team towards the path of success.
“Equally, too, we send our appreciation to the Management of the Club headed by Dr. Othman Ibrahim Ahmed, for steering the team enroute to the Premier League.
“There are also numerous other individuals we can’t mention here because the list is inexhaustible who have been there for the team.
“It is our earnest prayer that Allah will reward them abundantly.”
‘Baggio’ reiterated the commitment of his leadership to giving unalloyed support to the Solid Miners to succeed in all competitions, including retuning to the Nigeria Premier Football League next season.
Other members of the Supporters’ Club including Secretary, Ibrahim Muku, and Bilkisu Yusuf promised to continue to stand by the team to achieve the mandate of its establishment.
Former player of Nasarawa United, Vincent Christopher, said he was a fulfilled man joining the rally as it afforded him the opportunity to be one of the voices yearning for the return of the State-owned football Club to the elite division.
He promised to woo his former retired teammates and other well-spirited individuals in the State to join forces with the Jibrin Ali’ Baggio’-led Supporters’ Club to cheer the Solid Miners to victory at any given time.
Nasarawa United will square up against El-Kanemi Warriors, Sokoto United FC and Sporting Supreme in the Northern Conference of the NNL24 Super Eight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, this month(May) to determine which two teams advance to the Nigeria Premier Football League, 2024/25 Season from the Conference.
United will also be in action during the Round of 32 of the 2024 President Federation Cup tie against Sokoto United in Kano on May 22nd.
The Solid Miners defeated FC Bako of Kogi by a lone goal courtesy of Terdoo Shimagande’s 12th minute strike in the Round of 64 clash at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, over a week ago.
Source/Eche Amos
