Our Match Against Plateau United Is A Dual Derby -Abd’Allah
Wikki Tourists Technical Adviser Sidi-Usman Shariff Abd’Allah has underlined the importance of the Matchday 2 derby day clash against bitter rivals Plateau United at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi on Sunday. Both sides lost their season opening fixtures last Sunday when the long awaited 2020/ 2021 NPFL kicked back to life after nine months break due to COVID-19.
The Giant Elephants succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Nasarawa United while the troubled 2017 champions fell 2-0 at home to Kwara United. The Jos based side handled by Abdul Maikaba had earlier been eliminated from the CAF Champions League in the very first hurdle.
As a result of these outcomes, the management place the team on half salary after the horror show at the New Jos Stadium. In an exclusive interview, the former Enyimba tactician, said he believed the losses by both rivals have now added an extra dimension to the encounter.
He acknowledged the efforts of his players who dominated at Lafia despite the narrow score line but said he was quite convinced they are poised to compound the woes of their next-door neighbours when they come visiting on Sunday. “I have seen Plateau United & their performance wasn’t that surprising because I have seen the formation they play. I will like to capitalize on situation now. I don’t see them as a difficult team with the way they are now.
Secondly, they are a team in crisis so, we would like take the opportunity before they settle and keep them down by taking advantage of their situation. So for me, it doesn’t matter what the result is what we are after are the three points.” However, he was quick to sound a note of caution about the potent threat the club bear. “All the same you know, a team like that is just like a wounded lion, they have nothing to lose and they are playing away, so they will be coming out fully.
It will be a very difficult and an unpredictable game but we hope to take the three points at the end.” Since 2016 both teams have met on eight occasions with Plateau United having four victories while Wikki Tourists got two wins and the last two ended in draws. “For our players, they are being psyched up for this big game.
The fans are already gearing up for this huge encounter. This is a dual- derby!” he declared, “the first is between the coaches because we are from the same (Kano) State and of course, between the teams. It’s going to be tough but, we must put our heads up, put everything behind us, concentrate and get the three points.” He concluded.
