NPFL: Osun United FC misses promotion

The Osun State Government-owned Osun United Football Club has missed out on promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.

The Osogbo-based club missed out on a vital playoff ticket that would have allowed it to clinch the promotion.

The Omoluabi giants, who were in Conference Group B of the Nigeria National League, NNL, finished in third place with 30 points.

The club also lost two of its last three matches.

It got to the NNL after its relegation from the Nigeria Premier League, NPL, now Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, in 2008.

The team, who looked prime for promotion more than a decade after its relegation from top-flight Nigerian football, lost out to Ikorodu United and International Lagos FC who finished first and second with 36 and 35 points respectively.

An official statement from the Osun United Head Coach, Seye Ajayi, noted that “injuries to key players, efficacy in the execution zone, distractions and fatigue were some of the factors that contributed to their loss in form.

Ajayi also said, “We started very well with much anticipation, the squad was set up to beat any team, we were fired up for results home and away and my boys played to instructions on so many occasions.

“We took it one after the other and at some point, we were on top of the log. The group is tough and dicey, though we lost a couple of points at home which we regret deeply.

“We dealt with a lot of distractions; fatigue set in at a time owing to the long miles we must cover before the match day. At a time when we needed the support of our supporters, we were taken away from home which psychologically and emotionally haunted us.”

Ajayi, according to the statement, “some players will be let go from the team in order to bring in fresh legs. We promise that the team will do better next season.”

“We have identified areas where we need improvements, we will relieve some players not because they are not good but because we want to increase the standard.

“We are the least conceded side in the league, we need to beef up with young and experienced players that can deliver upfront. So many things will be sorted out before resumption.”