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By Abiodun Adewale.
Nasarawa United coach, Abubakar Arikya, seems to be short of ideas on how to save the embattled club from relegation in the 2022/23 abridged Nigeria Professional Football League, The PUNCH reports.
Following a 2-2 draw against Akwa United in Uyo last week, Arikya oversaw his second game in charge of the club against Gombe United but the Solid Miners were held to a 1-1 draw at home at the New Jos Stadium on Saturday, leaving them deep inside relegation with nine points from 14 matches.
Usman Abbas scored first for the visitors in the 71st minute before Ayuba Francis rescued Nasarawa United from another home defeat with the equalizer six minutes from time.
In his post-match presser, Arikya faulted the character of his players, which according to him was below expectation.
“The players did not play to the level we are expecting. The way they played was different from what they did against Akwa. I was expecting them to go above that but they did not. The opponents played more than us,” Arikya said.
On the chances of Nasarawa United to beat the drop, the coach said it was not up to him.
“I am not God, we will continue to play, if God has said it, we will come out.”
Arikya took over the reins from Bala Nkiyu, who stepped aside on mutual consent after their 2-1 home defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors on match-day 12.
With four games till the end of the regular season, the Solid Miners have an uphill task of beating the drop with tough matches against Plateau United, Shooting Stars, Kwara United and Bendel Insurance still to come.