Former Nigerian international, Nwankwo Kanu, popularly known as Papilo, threw the Gombe United fans into wild jubilation at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe State.
Kanu, who is the current chairman of Enyimba Football Club, was present to motivate his boys during their encounter with Gombe United where they suffered a 2-0 defeat from their host.
Our correspondent reports that the last time Kanu was sighted in the state was in 2010 during the opening of the township stadium.
It took policemen and other security operatives to escort the Enyimba FC chairman to a waiting car while waving and smiling at the fans.
Speaking, Ishaya Adamu noted that they were excited following the ex-Arsernal star’s achievement. He added that television is not the same when you can behold the individual.
Adamu said, “It’s not the same thing when you see someone that you have been hearing about for some time. The last time he was here was in 2010, that is why fans are excited. There is no reason for alarm, we just want to touch him and take shots.”
When approached by journalists to react to the defeat suffered by the team, neither Kanu nor the team’s officials agreed to comment on their poor outing.
Meanwhile, Chijioke Alekwe, with jersey number 9, scored the first goal in the 44th minute, while Ahmed Jimoh, scored the second goal eight minutes into the extra time through a free kick.
Reacting during a post-match conference, Technical Adviser of Gombe United, Mohammed Babaganaru, expressed optimism that his team would win laurels, adding “If you look at the team, it’s entirely a new team, most of the players of last season have left. We also started very late. I believe the team will improve in the course of the league.”
On performance and turnout, Babaganaru said, “To be sincere, I really appreciate the support of the fans. They are very cooperative they gave us maximum cooperation from the end.”
On what fans should expect, “I know expectation is high I’m just coming into the team and the team is just beginning to adopt my philosophy but I tell you the team will improve because we didn’t have much time to prepare, the time is limited for me. It’s now I’m seeing the right people position,” he added.
On Shooting Stars and the expectations, Babaganaru said, “We are going to play another traditional team a team with character and attitude but it’s about the three points. Fans should keep praying for us.”
Also, a Gombe United player Itodo Akor, ascribed the win to preparation, saying, “We prepared very well for this game. We know how important it is knowing quite well we lost at home to Enyimba last season home and away. We prepared our minds and told ourselves we have nothing more than our three points; we want to thank Almighty God for giving us this victory.”
On what the team did differently Akor said, “We had this encouragement from our coach, our management. The state government was behind us before the kick of the game. The Secretary to the State Government came and gave us words of encouragement. I think that was enough to motivate the team and we will continue pushing. It’s the first match we don’t want to celebrate much.
On target for the current season, Akor added, “Last season, we didn’t do well and we thank God we have a Technical Adviser that has won the league back to back, he came in with a champion mentality. We are here to compete for the title by the grace of God we will give the people of Gombe good results.”
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