Why we cannot do without our CHAN Eagles – Bassey

The chairman of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title contenders Akwa United, Mr Paul Bassey has said the ‘Promise Keepers’ cannot continue the league without four of their dependable players in the Super Eagles camp in Kano.

Though Bassey told reporters in Maiduguri Monday morning that he was not one to make excuses for failure, he was forced to raise the issue due to the avalanche of injuries that have plague the Uyo soccer lords.

“Due to our match with Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, I sought for permission from the LMC for a shift which was denied due to fixture congestion, which I accepted in good faith. But you can imagine playing on Wednesday and heading immediately to Maiduguri for a Sunday encounter. It took its toll yesterday. We have been very unlucky going into the last lap of the league as the team has been plagued by injuries and absence of key players.

“It is not only about Ojo who did not stand between the posts yesterday due to injury. Of the four goalkeepers in our squad only one is available. We are working round the clock to get Ojo fit for the weekend. Emmanson and Iwu are down, Only Shagari is ok.

“Of the four regular defenders, Godspower Igudia is burying his father this weekend, Kodjo Dadzie has been on admission for stomach ulcer for two weeks running leaving only Ariwa and Skipper Otobong Effiong.

“Move to the attack. Christian Pyagbara and Moses Ebiye have left the country for the proverbial trials, Gideon and Amaechi may not be fit before the season ends while Adio’s knee injury has been stubborn four months running.