Kogi Utd 1-0 Sokoto Utd: Abdul Sule wants players to stay focused

CHAIRMAN of Kogi United, Abdul Sule heaved a sigh of relief after his team recorded a 1-0 victory over Sokoto United in a Nigeria National League Week 11 encounter decided at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on Saturday.

A 42nd minute penalty converted by defender, Abubakar Tenimu gave the Lokoja based side their second consecutive league victories after last weekend 2-0 win over Mighty Jets.

Speaking after the match, Sule said the result was hard earned with a tough challenge from their guests but the victory has given the Confluence State club confidence as they prepare for their next game (against Kaduna United) in Kaduna.

"It’s a relief, honestly to win our two home games, even though it’s tough one today but the three points is the most important," begin Sule.

"This has given us confident to prepare for the other games, most importantly with our last home games but I'm confident we would approach the two away games with the same spirit and aim to get a good results from there, I would tell the boys to remain focused and concentrate as we want to make our fans happy till the end of the season for their great supports and patience," he said.

The high tempo encounter saw Sokoto United's goalkeeper, Muttaka Musa being called to action on numerous moments to deny Kogi United scoring chances.

Abdul Sule addressing the players after the encounter

Samson Pius was first to gain a good chance to put the hosts in front, but his shot was parried wide by Musa. Okwa Nelson and John Jerome also had their efforts thwarted by the boys from Caliphates' state.

The resultant goal that separated both sides came in the 42nd minute when Sunday Robot brought down Okwa Nelson in the six yards after the little attacker was laid on with a good pass by Micheal Bolaji.

Dependable defender, Abubakar Tenimu converted the spot kick as he calmly sent keeper Musa the wrong side to give his side half time lead.

However, all efforts by both sides to get a goal in the second half proved abortive as the game ended 1-0 in favour of the home side.

Technical Adviser of Sokoto United, Abara Hamza who expressed satisfaction with his side's performance despite the loss said Kogi United took advantage of their lapses and could have scored more.

Kogi United have however garnered 15 points from 11 games and will be taking on Kaduna United next weekend in Kaduna.

Photo credit: Kogi United media