Igala United Football Club of Kogi State has gained promotion from the Nationwide League One Division 3 to Division 2 after finishing second behind Jazzy Stars Fc of Plateau State at the Gwagwalada Centre.

Igala United Football Club who defeated Jazzy Fc in their opening game of the just concluded Nationwide League One Division 3 at the University of Abuja Teaching hospital, Gwagwalada by a lone goal scored by Emmanuel Omale however lost their returned leg match to same Jazzy Fc 5-4 on penalty shootout after proceedings ended 1-1 in regulation time.The penalty shootout was to determine which team tops the group.

Jazzy Fc and Igala United Football Clubs however were given the green light to proceed to Division 2 of the 3rd tier league after amassing maximum points and after other participating teams especially from Niger State failed to show up for the Playoffs.

With the inability of some of the contending teams to show up in Gwagwalada, Jazzy Fc and Igala United picked the two tickets to the next division after placing first and second respectively.

Speaking with Sports writers at the University of Abuja Teaching hospital football pitch, a visibly elated Technical Director of Igala United Football Club,Coach Abubakar Kamar Olachene showered praises on the boys for achieving their long term dream of promotion to the next division in just their second season in the Nationwide League One Division 3.He however thanked Dr Victor Alewo Adoji for his financial support which he said has made the execution of this year’s playoffs a reality and huge success.

“We thank and appreciate almighty Allah for this feat.We came to Gwagwalada well prepared because we knew that we are coming to meet with the best from other states and so we prepared well and that preparation has given us promotion.

The boys kept their heads up and displayed the spirit of resilience, determination and doggedness which handed us this promotion.Worthy of mention is Dr Victor Alewo Adoji,the man who has given everything to the team to ensure we get to where we are today.We can’t thank and appreciate him enough “

Coach Jeremiah Zhokwo of Igala United Football Club said they were able to achieve this feat in the second attempt because of Hardwork and adequate preparations.He said because the team lacks nothing,they in turn resolved to justify the confidence reposed in them by picking one of the promotion ticket from the group.

By this promotion,the Club from the Eastern Senatorial zone of Kogi State will next season be plying their trade in the division 2 of the Nationwide League One

One of the fastest growing football club in Kogi State, Igala United have set their eyes on claiming more glories and honors in football after their making impressive debut in Nigerian league.

The club which was formed about five months ago by the president, Dr Victor Alewo Adoji with the aim of empowering youths in the Igala extraction of Kogi State has become an household among football families in Nigeria.

Igala United participated in the just concluded Nationwide League One, NLO Division 3 at Akure, Ondo State and finished second behind Victory Police of Osun who picked the sole ticket to the NLO 2.

The club went through their pre- tournament games unbeaten and they also emerged the highest scoring team at the playoffs in Akure with six goals in four matches.

According to the Chairman and Technical Director of the club, Abubakar Kamar, the NLO participation was an eye opener for the young team which he believed has given them more experience to build on.

Coach Kamar expressed delight in the team for their performance being their first time of playing in any competition or league proper.

He thanked the club president, Dr Adoji for his immense support, encouragement and motivation to the team just as he promised that the team will always make him proud.

“I’m really impressed with what we have done at the playoffs and give kudos to the entire team, it’s their first time in the league yet they were able to make this mark, its quite commendable.

“The team was formed five months ago played unbeaten from all our friendly matches to the league proper and ended up as highest scoring side is a reflection of how committed and good we are, I think we are starting on a good note and we will surely get better.

“All these could not be achieved without the support and motivation from our President, Dr Victor Alewo Adoji and we will always be grateful to him for believing in the team will never let him down.

“I equally want to appreciate the coaching crew and the officials of the team for good job and team work starting from Coach Zhokwor Jeremiah, Coach Aromeh Kolofu, Coach Tairu Ibrahim, Coach Faruk Ojomakpene Yahaya, Amos John, the Physiotherapist, Dr Ojih Sule, the Club Doctor, Sani Siaka, Team Coordinator and Nuhu M. Alhassan who is the Club Secretary.

Salifu ‘Evra’ Abdullahi of Igala United was the highest goal scorer at the NLO playoffs with three goals and the young player is being wanted by NPFL side, Sunshine Stars among two others players from Igala United, an indication of qualify abound in the team according to Coach Kamar.

The club has promised to work hard and come back stronger for next season which Kamar believed will be much better for Igala United.

The newly established Igala United Football Club will be participating in this season’s Nationwide League One, NLO Division 3 league.

According to the Chairman/Technical Director of the team Coach Abubakar Kamar, he said with the work done so far on the boys, the team is good go to give perfect representation in the third tier division.

Coach Kamar assured fans of Igala United that the needed measures will be employed to see the team gain promotion to NLO Division 2 at the end of the season.

Head Coach of the team Coach Zhokwo Jeremiah echoed that the players are match-fit to take on any team in their division just as he thanked the proprietor of the club Dr Victor Alewo Adoji for his tireless efforts in making sure that the monthly allowance is paid as at when due and making sure the team doesn’t lack training equipments.

Coach Jeremiah however assured Dr Adoji, fans and well wishers of Igala United to always make them proud just as he craved for more support from all and sundry.

Newly established Igala United started life in football with a victory following their 2-1 friendly win over Ankpa United on Saturday.

The friendly encounter played at the Ankpa Township Stadium in Ankpa is the first football match played since their formation.

Abdulwahab Tijani make history by scoring the club’s first ever goal in a football match as he gave them the lead in the first half.

Tijani doubled the lead for Igala United few minutes into restart after a beautiful team build up.

Abubakar Rebilu would scored what would then be a consolation for Ankpa United few minutes to end the game.

The young Igala United formed two months ago will be participating in the Nigeria’s third tier league division, The Nationwide League One, NLO.

Technical Director of the side, Kamar Abubakar told onwardnews24.com that will be start of many victories for the new team.

Abubakar who commended Dr Victor Alewo Adoji for standing by the team noted that Igala United would be managed to become great like top clubs in the country.

He however solicited support from every Igala sons and daughters to rally the team to achieve their set goals.

“I commend Dr Victor Alewo Adoji for making long time dream a reality for making provision for subvention in taking care of over 40 players emoluments monthly.

“The players drawn from the nine Local Government Areas that formed Kogi East are based in Idah, we train at the Federal Polytechnic Idah sports complex, and we will build on this to do better.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Rebilu of Ankpa United FC has been invited to join the Igala United FC which he will be reporting in camp next week.