NPFL: Gombe Utd Explain Reasons Behind Their Below-Par Performance

NPFL: Gombe Utd Explain Reasons Behind Their Below-Par Performance

Sampson Adedeji

Gombe United's head coach Aliyu Zubair has explained the reasons behind his team below par performance in the just concluded 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League season, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Despite suffering a 0-1 home defeat to Akwa United in the final game of the season, the Gombe state-based club was able to maintain its Premier League status.

The coach said their greatest undoing was not being able to get adequate motivation from the government.

"We started the first round picking points on the road. Once players realize they are not getting anything for winning matches, you will start seeing diminishing returns, the performance will start dropping. Along the line, we thank God the team is still in the NPFL.”

“I haven’t said this before, this team is not motivated, not a single bonus was paid to them.

"By motivation, I mean incentives and financial motivation. This is my third season in this club, I can boast that we got not more than three bonuses. Can a team be motivated in such a manner? "We thank God, our supporters, and the government despite the lack of motivation, but retaining our place in the NPFL was the most important.

"My advice is for the government to support the team financially, which is most important. Without finance, no football", he explained.