Kwara United focussing on Sharks tie
Kwara United said the disruption that marred their match against Sunshine in Ilorin last Sunday and the decision of the Nigeria Premier League to punish them would not make them lose focus as they visit Sharks in Port Harcourt on Sunday (tomorrow).
The match in Ilorin was stopped with a few minutes to the end after fans invaded the pitch in response to what they considered as interference by Sunshine's team manager, Gabriel Aborowa, who had entered the pitch while the match was still on.
NPL's temporary punishment docked three points from Kwara and a fine of N2.4m. They were also moved to Abuja for their home matches while Sunshine were fined N3m pending the meeting of Nigeria Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee.
But Kwara media officer, Olayioye Ajide, said the focus of the club to finish in one of the top four positions remained intact.
"We are not desperate to win the league although it is the ambition of all the teams in the Premier League. We will play fairly and remain focussed," he said.
"What has happened will have no negative effect on the team. We believe that the NFF disciplinary committee will do justice and exonerate us. We have a big game on Sunday and the players understand the competition involved playing a team like Sharks."
He added that the competitiveness of the tie would be boosted because their former coach, John Obuh would be in the dugout of the home side.
"Obuh worked with us and now as Sharks coach, he will look forward to beating us. That will not happen because we want to protect our position in the table.
Kwara will be without Super Eagles player Gbenga Arokoyo, who has joined a Swedish club Mjallby. But youngster Segun Alebiosu, who did not play against Sunshine because of injury, is available.
"We will miss Arokoyo but we have replacement for him. Alebiosu has developed quickly and he is capable of making a huge contribution towards the club's success this term," Ajide added.
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