ABUJA – The Technical Adviser of FC Abuja, Usman Ilerika, has expressed optimism about his club gaining promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) by the end of the 2013/2014 season.

Ilerika told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that the club has what it takes to get promoted.

He however said would only be if “if things are not manipulated’’.

NAN reports that FC Abuja plays in the Division One C of the Nigeria Nation-Wide League (NNWL)

“In our cadre, we are the best, and we pray to get promoted. But the way the league is going is not encouraging.

“At the moment and based on our calculations, we don’t see any reason why we will not get promoted. If we can win two of the three remaining matches, I am sure we will scale through.

“But, we would have been sure of gaining promotion before now if not for some people who think they can decide one’s fate in a twinkle of an eye.

“People manipulate things unnecessarily to get what they want, and FC Abuja will never be part of it.

“We are hoping that by the time we play the remaining three matches, whatever God says is our own, we will get it.

“But, FC Abuja will not do anything that is against the law. We will play only on the field and nothing more and the management will be satisfied with our result,’’ Ilerika said.

The technical adviser alleged that the club’s present position could have been better but for poor officiating.

“Our present position in the league is as a result of the bad monitoring of the league and referees denying clubs of obvious wins.

“The referees cancel goals without just cause. But because the club wants to exhibit discipline, we have been maintaining our cool.
[eap_ad_2]
“However, what they are doing is enough to make some people lose their heads. But we have chosen to play according to the rules and leave everything open,’’ he said.

Ilerika who is also an assistant coach of the national under-15 male team said the standard of the league was not encouraging.

“It is very sad to see a club leading the table and when you consider the level of its team’s play, you will be wondering how it is in that position.

“You can imagine that in our group all the clubs have won their home matches. But is that a good league?

“ You go to a state where you know you can defeat their club on a normal day, but they will turn everything around and nothing will happen and you will have to return home defeated and angry.

“But the truth is, I am not afraid to lose my job. Instead of me to go and give any referee an amount of money because I want to win the match, it is better if I am sacked.

“I have told my club’s management the first day I took up this job that I only want to play the game the way it is played. If they are satisfied with my performance, fine. If not, they can do what they want,’’ he said.

FC Abuja is presently third on the table with three matches left to the end of the season.

They will host Dalhatu Football Club of Gusau on Wednesday, before travelling to Birnin Kebbi to confront Magajin Rafi Football Club on July 30.

FC Abuja’s last league match will be played in Abuja against Kaduna Bees on Aug. 7.(NAN)[eap_ad_3]