NAN-S-3
NPFL
By Toba Ajayi
Ilorin, Jan. 13, 2017 (NAN) Soccer fans in Ilorin, the Kwara capital, on Friday expressed their readiness for the start of the 2016/2017 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) scheduled for Saturday across various centres in the country.
The fans , who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin, expressed delight at the imminent start of the league season.
Ahmed Usman, a supporter of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC , told NAN that following the promotion of ABS back to NPFL, he was ready to attend all the home matches of his club this season.
” My friends and I who are ABS supporters are ready to cheer our darling team .
”We have bought our jerseys and whistles because we want to ensure we give them the maximum home support that will spur them to the title,” he said.
Another supporter, Biola Kehinde , said he had missed the NPFL actions ever since the two Kwara teams were relegated a few years ago.
Kehinde said every football lover in the state was looking forward to the kick off of the new season in order to witness league action.
” We are ready to go and fly our flags because we want to enjoy NPFL atmosphere again.
”We are ready to feel the passion of football in Kwara,” he said.
Another football fan, Mr Stephen Emmanuel, expressed his delight as the new season approaches, saying there is nothing as interesting as watching ABS FC or Kwara United FC live matches at the stadium.
Emmanuel said he had already bought an ABS FC jersey ahead of the new season.
” I was surprised to meet many supporters alike at the shop struggling to get ABS FC jersey.
“ Nigerians will witness uniformity in Kwara stadium this season as fans are ready to appear in common colours and decent attires,” said Emmanuel.
A female supporter, Blessing Obafemi, said she was ready to sacrifice the British Premier League (BPL) for Nigeria League as the local league is becoming interesting.
” Nigeria league is improving over the years and if we want it to continue, we must dedicate our time to watching it and showing passion as we can see in South Africa and some other African countries,” she said.
She , however , advised supporters all over the country to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
NAN reports that Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC will be hosting Akwa United FC at the Kwara Stadium at 4 p.m. on Sunday. (NAN)
LEX/DO/OJO
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(Edited by David Onilede/Mufutau Ojo)