2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 20: Gombe United FC coach blames loss against Bayelsa United FC on fatigue

Posted : 19 February 2024

Gombe United coach Alhaji Kwairanga on Monday attributed the Savannah Scorpions defeat to Bayelsa United in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 20 to fatigue due to the long journey. Kwairanga revealed that his side arrived late in Yenagoa for the fixture but praised the Bayelsa United team as a good side. Recall that rejuvenated Bayelsa United beat Gombe United 2-0 on Sunday to keep league status alive in a match played at the Samson Stadium in Yenagoa.

Bayelsa United FC Coach Meremu Okara made a few changes to the starting 11 after injecting new legs into the squad during the mid-season transfer window. With the introduction of Okon Saturday from Sporting of Lagos and home Elkanah Godgift in goalpost, It was a delight to watch Ekeson Okorie return to the squad after two games on the sidelines, while captain fantastic Gabriel Biriduba returned after being on the medical table for over three months.

The Prosperity Boys went ahead on 13 minutes from Kehinde Lawal's cutback beautiful move as Bashir Monsur slots in the ball into his own net after failing to draw the first blood a few minutes into the game with Bayelsa United showtopper Elkanah Godgift making crucial saves. Bayelsa United continued to dominate possession, with the trio of Tekena Garando, Jawad Mustapha, and Kahinde Lawal dictating the pace of the game in the midfield and starving the visitors to the ball.

Gombe United's resumption from the break showed some glimpses of promises threatening Bayelsa United's defence line, but the energetic Tarabina, Adekunle Olawasegun, and Adamu Yazid silenced Gombe United's Yusuf Taiye and David Nnaj. Coach Meremu Okara of Bayelsa United introduced Abdulrahman Muniru and Ifeanyi Assurance in place of Isreal Consul and Tekena Garando in the 69th minute. The substitution paid off in the 82nd minute as Ifeanyi Assurance unleashed a ferocious shot to double the lead for the host from Eyong Nneoyi Offem's beautiful move, which broke the visitors resistance.

Bayelsa United Chief Coach Meremu Okara said the lads gave their best in the encounter, noting that the team's attention has shifted to their next game against Akwa United with the acquisition of new players. The Prosperity Boys will now travel to Eket to face Akwa United at the Eket Sports Stadium, while Gombe United will take on Sporting of Lagos at the Pantami Stadium.

2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 20: Gombe United FC coach blames loss against Bayelsa United FC on fatigue

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