2024 President Federation Cup: Solid Miners upscale trainings ahead of Sokoto United FC clash

Posted : 09 May 2024

You can now watch all NPFL matches Live: https://www.africasport.net/npfl/home/

After securing one of the 2023/24 Nigeria National League Super Eight Play-off tickets, the Solid Miners have shifted their focus to the 2024 President's Federation Cup.

According to the team's coach, the players are currently undergoing rigorous training sessions at the Lafia City Stadium in preparation for the Round of 32 clash against fellow Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 counterparts, Sokoto United, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 4 pm.

Captain King Osanga (MON), in a conversation, expressed the team's readiness to face any opposition in Nigeria's oldest single knockout inter-club competition.

"To the glory of God, we have successfully crossed one hurdle on our journey to the elite domestic football league in Nigeria by securing the Super Eight Play-off ticket and are now waiting for the second and final phase of the competition to begin.

"A week-and-a-half ago, we started our campaign in the 2024 President Federation Cup, where we defeated FC Bako by a lone goal in the round of 64 in Kaduna.

"Now, we are shifting our focus to the Round of 32 tie against Sokoto United in a few weeks.

"As you can see, we are training hard for the match in Kano, and we hope to progress to the next phase of the competition.

"We will approach the game with all our strength because every match is important, regardless of the opponent."

The former Nigerian junior international, however, dismissed rumors circulating recently that the team's players had gone on strike demanding their entitlements.

"This is not only laughable but childish. What would be the reason for a strike? We have never experienced any salary delays because the government has been consistent.

"I think some people are blowing yesterday's incident out of proportion. They should have done their research properly before publishing anything.

"We were supposed to train on Tuesday morning, but there was another NLO game scheduled for the same time, so the players, noticing the clash for stadium use, decided to gather to discuss our outstanding match bonuses in the league and why it's time to receive them to boost our morale for the FA Competition.

"Based on the information available to us, the government has approved the match bonuses, and we are awaiting the actual payment.

"Such internal requests should not be mistaken for a strike. Did anyone see us holding placards or making public demands? Of course not!

"So, we are not aware of any strike in the team.

"These reports are distracting because we have crucial games ahead, and our focus is on overcoming those challenges.

"We have our communication channels and ways to reach out to those in charge regarding anything owed to us."

It's worth noting that some unverified reports emerged on Tuesday on certain online platforms, suggesting that players and officials of Nasarawa United had gone on strike due to unpaid salaries and entitlements.

Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi Warriors FC, Sokoto United, and Sporting Supreme are grouped in the Northern Conference for the Super Eight Play-offs scheduled to take place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu from May 23 to May 30, 2024, with the top two teams qualifying for the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season from the Conference.

2024 President Federation Cup: Solid Miners upscale trainings ahead of Sokoto United FC clash

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics