By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Action returns this weekend as the second tier Nigeria National League NNL enters match day seven in group B2 with former Nigeria league champions Bayelsa United FC welcoming Abia Comets Football club of Umuahia at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The fixture which has produced nine goals in recent times will see both sides rekindle their rivalry for a place in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.
Bayelsa United suffered their second defeat at the Rojenny Stadium, Oba last weekend having defeated FC One Rocket by two goals to one with two second half goals from Favour Martins and Okardi Inikurogha ensuring that the Yenagoa based side beat their visitors from Akwa Ibom.
Abia Comets on the other hand lost one- nil to Fc One Rocket but responded at mid week with a win against Godosky Fc by two goals to nothing while Bayelsa United were drawn bye on Wednesday in group B2 of Nigeria National League.
Elsewhere, group leaders Remo Stars will welcome Joy Cometh Fc of Lagos who are currently on twelve points while second placed Crown FC on ten points will travel to Agbor to face Apex Krane of Delta State, while Bendel Insurance will slug it out with neighbors Ibom Youth in the South South derby just as One Fc Rocket entertain Gateway FC.
Speaking to the club media on the significant of the game, technical adviser of Bayelsa United Dipreye Teibowei said he expects a tough encounter despite playing at the home, pointing out that the team’s target at the moment was to win every game.
When asked about the injury challenge in the team, he explained that captain Bernard Okorowanta and defender Charles Eugene would be out of Sunday’s tie but expressed optimism that other players would be available.
Also, Bayelsa United goalkeeper, Issiaka Ogoubiye who spoke in French said they would approach Sunday’s tie like a cup final, adding that the team cannot afford to drop points anymore especially at home.
He added that his aspiration as player was to see Bayelsa United return to the NPFL as well as getting a national team call up to the Benin Republic senior or cadet sides.
