Share
By Chima Azubuike, Gombe.
Coach of Gombe United Zubair Aliyu says lack of funds hampered his side’s performance in the regular season of the abridged 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League.
Aliyu stated this after Gombe’s recent 1-0 defeat to Akwa United onat the Pantami stadium, Gombe State on the final day of the regular season.
Our correspondent reports that James Ajako scored the match winner in the 30th minute.
“I haven’t said this before, this team is not motivated, not a single bonus is paid to them,” Aliyu stated.
“We started the first round picking points on the way. Once players realise they are not getting anything for winning matches, you will start seeing diminishing returns, the performance will start dropping. Along the line, we thank God the team is still in the NPFL.”
He added, “By motivation, I mean incentives, financial motivation. This is my third season in this club, I can boast that we got not more than three bonuses. Can a team be motivated in such manner? We thank God, our supporters and the government despite the lack of motivation, but retaining our place in the NPFL was the most important.”
“My advice is for the government to support the team financially, which is most important. Without finance, no football.”