Nasarawa United chairman Solomon Babanjah says the team have shifted focus to CAF Confederation Cup qualification after edging Rivers United on penalties in their President Federation Cup Round of 16 match, Completesports.com reports.
Nasarawa United Shift Focus To Continental Qualification
Babanjah spoke to Completesports.com after their Round of 16 tie, which took place at the Awka City Stadium on Saturday, June 6. President Federation Cup champions qualify to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
With league ambitions derailed after losing key players Anas Yusuf, Garba Mohammed, Ekeson Okorie and others mid-season, the chairman is pinning his hopes on the Federation Cup.
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“Right from the beginning of the season, the team did very well and occupied first and second positions for a long time. But we lost a couple of our major players and that affected us. So we want to see how we can use the FA Cup to get to the continent by the grace of God.”
The Nasarawa United chairman conceded that the 2-0 advantage secured earlier in regulation time should have sealed victory for his team before the penalty shootout.
“I am happy, but this is a game we were supposed to wrap up within regulation time. We were not supposed to go into penalties,” Babanjah told Completesports.com.
Nasarawa United Boss Reflects On Late Setback In Round of 16 Clash
He credited Rivers United’s quality for their spirited fightback but described the penalty shootout win as fortunate. He defended the Nasarawa United players despite their late collapse in the game.
Babanja added: “We dominated the game, but human error crept in, which can happen to anyone. Even the best coaches in the world make mistakes.
Also Read: Rivers United Involved In Road Accident Ahead Federation Cup Clash With Nasarawa United
“We will go home and build on the positives from this game and work on the negatives. I am satisfied with the team’s performance against one of Nigeria’s top sides.”
Quarter-Final Challenge Looms Against Plateau United
Nasarawa United will now focus on a potentially tough North-Central derby with Plateau United in the President Federation Cup quarter-finals, as the chairman insists the club will take each game as it comes.
“By the grace of God, we will come all out and see how we can scale through to the next round,” Babanja reiterated,” Babanjah stated.
Babanja also thanked the Awka football community for the strong support they gave Nasarawa United and acknowledged Anambra FA chairman Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi’s leadership.
By Chigozie Chukwuleta
