Akwa United head coach Mohammed BabaGanaru says his team’s escape from relegation on the final day of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season feels more cheerful than winning the league, www.aclsports.com reports.
Akwa United secured their top flight status for another season on Sunday after an impressive 3-1 win over neighbours Rivers United at the Nest of Champions, Uyo with BabaGanaru expressing his happiness in the end.
Forward Ubong Friday scored the game’s first and last goals with Sani Suleiman and Nyima Nwagua (Rivers United) scoring in between Friday’s goals.
BabaGanaru joined the club during the second half of the season with relegation troubles looming over the head of the team and he masterminded some crucial results including an away win over Lobi Stars en route to safety.
“Today, I will say I’m the happiest man on earth. Escaping from relegation is sometimes more cheerful than winning the league because you know how I joined the team. The quality they had on ground, I didn’t bring in any player, I just tried to psyche the players and to make them understand my philosophy and God so kind we escaped.
“I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to the state government for giving us all the support. My Chairman, a very nice chairman, very supportive very cooperative. To be sincere he did a very wonderful job and he deserves all the praises,” said the former Kano Pillars head coach.
The Future
BabaGanaru joined Akwa United on a short term deal till the end of the season with the singular aim of steering the team’s boat away from troubled waters. With that achieved, the question remains if the Paul Bassey-led Akwa United management will keep him on a permanent basis.
Akwa United started the just ended season with Fatai Osho in charge but the coach was dismissed before the half-way mark in the league leaving the club to fight for dear life in the top division. BabaGanaru has now thrown his hat into the ring for a possible continuation in the saddle.
“As far as I’m concerned, it is mission accomplished. We have achieved my set objective so if the management is satisfied with what I did, I am ready to sign,” added the 2012 and 2013 league winner.
