Olufemi Kayode first choice goalkeeper of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table toppers Lobi Stars wants the quick resolution of the “frustrating” football crisis which has put the league on indefinite break.
Kayode who has been instrumental to Lobi’s surprise run to the top of the league table told www.aclsports.com on Monday that the postponement of the league games are having its toll on the league’s players.
Lobi Stars, like every other NPFL side have resumed training before the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia last month for the conclusion of the 2017/18 season but have been left to train in vain as the tussle to be the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President drags on between Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa.
“The truth is that we are just waiting for the league to start but everyday they keep shifting it,” lamented Kayode to www.aclsports.com
“It is kind of discouraging but I believe everything happens for a purpose.
“I will like the football administrators to know that most of the Nigerian league players’ source of living depends on the continuation of the league.
“Please, those issues should be resolved especially now that I am about to win the league,” he added rather cheekily.
For a team that have set the pace in the league for majority of the 24 round of matches played, there are fears that the prolonged break might distort the rhythm of Kayode’s team, Lobi Stars.
Breathing down the neck of the Pride of Benue in second place is Kayode’s former club, Akwa United but he is confident his team will hold on till the end.
“No, the break won’t affect us because we try as much as possible to train hard so we can maintain our standard because we know what is ahead is greater for us.”
“As for my former team (Akwa United), they are a good side and we respect them but we won’t give them the chance to overtake us,” he said.
4⃣ Olufemi Kayode.
The goal-keeper left @AkwaUnited_fc after the arrival of Leke Ojo in search of regular football and he's found his best form in Markudi.Kayode has been a mainstay for the table toppers with 10 clean sheets and fantastic saves to help @LobiStars to the peak. pic.twitter.com/lbYMaTvHBQ
— Andrew Randa (@RandaAndrew) July 22, 2018
Olufemi Kayode spent about a decade of his career in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state where he represented both Akwa Starlets and Akwa United, winning the Federation Cup in 2015. He was however deemed surplus to requirement by the current coach Abdu Maikaba before he joined Lobi Stars.
“First of all, I will like to thank God Almighty for his grace. I think I was too relaxed in Uyo, feeling at home but after leaving my comfort zone plus the new challenges in Makurdi, I have had no option than to work harder,” stated the goalkeeper who has kept ten clean sheets this season.
Stoppers with most clean sheets 🚫#NPFL18 pic.twitter.com/oJUFCz3bUB
— League Management NG (@LMCNPFL) July 28, 2018
The wait continues for the league stars and followers as they will have to find out when the various league divisions will be free to resume hostilities.
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