It appears that two of the country’s top-flight sides, Gateway Football Club and Ranch Bees, would have to start preparing for life in the lower division from next season after losing their games on Sunday.
In Ilorin, Ranch bees suffered a six-nil humiliation at the hands of fellow Premier League newcomer, Kwara United while Gateway Football Club succumbed to Kaduna United by 0 -2 at the Kaduna Township Stadium.
Though the Rock City Boys still has the chance of battling for survival with the likes of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Wikki Tourists, Bayelsa United and Ocean Boys, who are not out of the woods yet, Ranch Bees already have a ticket to return to the National Division I League next term.
The relegation of Ranch Bees underscores the financial crisis that has rocked the team all season long, according to an official of the club.
Bees are the basement boys in the Premier League with just 36 points from 36 games and four points behind Gateway FC, which occupies the 19th position.
However, coach of the Rock City Boys, Toyin Ayinla, has assured that the club would fight for survival in its two remaining games of the season in a bid to retain its status as a top-flight side next season.
He told Naijaligue.blogspot.com: “It is not a good position we have found ourselves this season. But we still have a chance of staying in the Premier League and that depends on our last two games. Now we have nothing to lose than to play our best in the remaining matches. But I am confident we will survive this.”
This weekend, Ayinla’s men play host to continental-seeking side, Sunshine Stars, at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta
“It’s a game we must win no matter what. It is going to be difficult but we must win,” said Ayinla.
I am not sure Gateway is going to make it. I wish them a safe flight to the lower division.
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