Yobe Desert Stars Chairman, Mohammed Alkali Achama, on Saturday splashed cash on his players following their opening 2024/2025 NNL Super 8 group stage draw against Barau FC, Completesports.com reports.
Alkali Achama was impressed with his players’ performance in the game, especially after the team arrived at the tournament venue late on Friday night and had to battle fatigue to secure a point in the crucial fixture.
“You’ve done well. We appreciate your performance despite the odds. So, you will have ₦2 million to share amongst yourselves as a token of appreciation and encouragement—this is aside from your regular match bonus,” the Yobe Stars boss told the players after the box-to-box encounter.
However, the club’s Head Coach, Ibrahim Mohammed Sanni, admitted that although his players put up a spirited fight, they lacked sharpness in front of goal.
Yobe Desert Stars arrived in Asaba, the venue of the eight-team NNL Promotion Play-offs, late on Friday and had to contend with fatigue during their Northern Conference group opener.
“I really appreciate the efforts of my players in the game despite the obvious fatigue caused by our late arrival in Asaba,” Coach Sanni said during his post-match press conference.
Yobe Desert Stars Head Coach, Ibrahim Mohammed Sanni
“We were supposed to play in the evening today, but we had to play in the morning instead. Despite the fatigue, the boys still showed that they are ready—they are ready to compete.
“I believe that with this level of determination and the way they played today, we can definitely secure promotion this time around.
“We created a lot of chances, but unfortunately, we weren’t clinical enough in the final third.
“We hope to work on that shortcoming before our next game,” Coach Sanni concluded.
By Sab Osuji in Asaba
