BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
Head Coach of First Bank Football Club of Lagos, Gafari Oladipupo Mohammed has dedicated their Nigeria National League (NNL) promotion ticket they secured in the recently held playoff to the team’s management, supporters and Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) for their unalloyed support showed throughout their campaign in the NLO.
First Bank qualified for the NNL playoff final in Ibadan, Oyo Stat e after emerged as leaders in their group during the NLO campaign.
First Bank, who narrowly missed the NNL ticket last season, lived up to expectations as they defeated City Sports 2-1 on Sunday at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan to pick one of the NNL tickets for the next season.
Mohammed, who spoke to our correspondent Monday morning, expressed joy that nine years after First Bank finally returned to NNL.
He commended his players for their resilience and endurance displayed throughout the match.
He admitted that their opponents gave them a tough game and thanked his players for their doggedness and fighting spirit exhibited throughout the encounter.
“It was a sweet victory for us and I want to appreciate my players for their good performance. They were determined to get this ticket and they got it at the end of the day.
“I also want to thank my backroom staff, they are wonderful people to work with. Their support motivated me to reach this stage. I thank them all for their commitment to the team,” he said.
Mohammed, who was on cloud nine after the center referee blew the final whistle in Ibadan, also extended his appreciation to the club’s management and staff for their financial and moral support and went on to express his gratitude to their supporters and the Lagos State Football Association for the love showed to the team throughout their campaign in NLO.
“Honestly, this is best moment in my coaching career. I received a good numbers of calls and numerous text messages after our qualification. I cannot thank our supporters and Lagos FA for the love they showed to us in the NLO .
“I would not forget to thank my Ikeja Football Coaches Council and Ikeja Divisional Football Association for their prayers and word of encouragement given to us while we were preparing for playoff match.This victory calls for celebration and we shall continue to celebrate the ticket after nine years waiting,” he concluded.