by Olorunwa Lawal

Former Coach of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen, has expressed optimism over his side surviving relegation in the Nigerian Premier League this season.

Gombe United started the season on a poor note after Belgian Manager, Maurice Coorman, fell ill and couldn’t join the team again. Eguavoen took over as the manager mid-season and has given the team some decent results in recent times.

With just 11 games the end of the 2013/14 season, the Savannah Scorpions, are placed 18th on the league table behind Taraba FC, Bayelsa United and Kaduna United respectively, but the former Eagles player is optimistic they will survive relegation.

“It was disappointing because we felt we could gain some points from the trip. I think we dominated against Dolphins but couldn’t make it count. Those have gone behind now and we look (ahead) to upcoming games.

“We’ll keep fighting, no doubt. It’s up today, down tomorrow but I can guarantee you, we will come out of it,” was the calm assurance from the Coach whose mates loved to call Cerezo in his playing days,” Eguavoen said.

Ahead of the clash with Nasarawa United on Wednesday (Today), Eguavoen hopes to have his first choice goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, back in the squad.

“Agbim was injured against Sharks and although I have to appreciate the performance of Ahmed (Yusuff) against Dolphins, I will still hope that Agbim comes back for our next games,” he said.

Gombe United is one point short of 15th placed Kaduna United who they will play next after Nasarawa United, today.

Emmanuel Chidiogo