Ranchers Bees coach, Julius Jatau Alhassan has said his side are in strong contention for the second promotion spot of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Division A.
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The Kaduna-based side on Monday achieved a major boost in their promotion ambition with a 3-1 defeat of struggling side, Spotlight FC in one of NNL's Matchday 28 encounters in Kaduna. The massive win takes the side's points haul to 40 nine points adrift leaders and sure candidates for the elite league, Giwa FC.
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However with Giwa FC assured of promotion to the Premier League next season with two matches to draw the curtain the battle has shifted to the second spot which appears to have been narrowed down to the trio of FC Taraba (on 42 points), Plateau United (on 42 points) and Ranchers Bees (on 40 points). Ranchers' two remaining matches are a home game against relegation-threatened side, Kogi United and tough road trip game to Tin City side, Plateau United in Jos.
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Alhassan said his side are confident of grabbing the remaining Premier League spot despite obvious challenges on their path to glory.
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"With Giwa FC cleared for promotion, the second spot has become a hot contest among FC Taraba, Plateau United and Ranchers Bees.
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"The odds are there but I'm hopeful to gain promotion at the end of the season.
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"Of course, in football one plus one can give you five and not two, we've steeled ourselves not to take chances in the remaining two games.
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"We'll host Kogi United at home while we play our last game at Plateau United.
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"Kogi United are facing relegation and playing such a side is always difficult, they can hold anything to chance survival. I don't fancy a team facing relegation as they could spoil the fun for you.
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"Right now the game against Kogi United is my biggest headache and not the unarguably tough game at Plateau United.
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"However, we're condemned to find a solution to the Kogi United ache because we must pick the maximum points to enable us prepare for the suicide mission at Plateau United," said the former Kaduna United coach.
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The NNL remaining matches have been put on hold for two weeks to allow the body treat complaints and petitions as the NNL board plans to hold the two games simultaneously to avoid manipulation from any side.
It's always good to earn promotion in leagues so I pray it comes to pass for them. They would definately need hardwork to earn that though....