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By Amaechi Agbo

The management of Kogi United have offered explanations on why they discontinued their Nigeria National League, NNL Matchday 4 encounter against Jigawa Golden Stars Saturday, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The top of the table clash which took place at the Hadejia Township was abandoned at 82 minutes when another controversial penalty was awarded to the hosts and United players staged a walk to sideline.

In a statement signed by the club’s Team Manager, Ameh Henry Sunday, the Confluence State club ceded the points to their hosts after sensing their intention to win the match at all cost.

“We decided not to continue with the match in Hadejia because Jigawa were hell bent on wining the match with any course which could put our players in danger.

“They knew from on set that it would be difficult to get a victory against us with the way we are playing and our strength so they sought the support of match officials.

“We are having more goal difference than other teams in our group so Jigawa’s plan was to beat us, with whatever means, with wider goal margin which would reduce our goal difference and increase theirs.

“The referees, all from Katsina State, except the reserve referees, made their intentions known right from blast of the whistle that they weren’t in Hadejia to give a fair officiating, frustrating our players with their questionable calls, almost all in favor of the hosts.

“We managed to survive their intimidations and frustration in the first half ending 1-1, but they (officials) came out with much venom to aid Jigawa win and win well. hoyw can a referee continue to conjure penalty after penalty for a team all in the name of winning at all cost?

“We are law abiding club and we’ve never abandoned match in the history of the team but situation in Hadejia became necessary to protect our players.

“We call on league body and authorities concerned to watch the clip of the match and take necessary actions,” the statement read.