Flying Eagles goalkeeper at the Mexico ’83 FIFA U20 World Cup finals, Patrick Udoh, has labelled Nigeria’s second-tier league, the NNL, a ‘power league’, insisting that Godswill Akpabio United will not go down despite their precarious position on the Conference B table, Completesports.com reports.
Udoh, who is the current Head Coach of Godswill Akpabio United, spoke exclusively to Completesports.com on Saturday afternoon from his base in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The 60-year-old, who stood between the sticks during Nigeria’s maiden FIFA U-20 World Cup (then World Youth Championship) finals appearance in Mexico in 1983 under the late Coach Christopher Udemezue, explained that the NNL is a difficult league, where skill and artistry have little room.
Also Read: U-20 AFCON: Two Key Flying Eagles Players Ruled Out Of Third-place Match With Egypt
“You see, the NNL is a power league. It’s all about power and brawl, with every team only interested in gaining promotion,” Udoh began when Completesports.com contacted him.
“It’s all about hitting the ball and making sure you win. It’s the most difficult league. You just need to get promoted to the NPFL and say goodbye to the NNL.
“It’s quite unlike the NPFL, where the beauty of your play comes into consideration. Here, it’s all about physicality.”
Godswill Akpabio United is owned and funded by the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, who is now President of the Nigerian Senate.
But the club is not finding life easy in their maiden season in the NNL, currently sitting in 9th position on the table with four rounds of matches remaining.
Also Read: Ofili Breaks World Record In Women’s 150m
Udoh remains cautiously optimistic that, with 12 points still to play for, Godswill Akpabio United will navigate to safety by the end of the campaign.
“No doubt it has been a difficult season. The league is really tough, but I’m confident we’ll retain our NNL spot at the close of the season,” Udoh said confidently.
“Yes, there are still four matches, which means there are 12 points to play for. If we win all our home games, including tomorrow’s home match against ABS, and get a good result in the away games, then we’re safe.”
By Sab Osuji
