8th February, 2011
Bukola Babes goalkeeper Aiyeyemi James will miss an opportunity to extend his clean-sheet in the Premier League against Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH due to a knee injury.
The goalkeeper, who holds a record of consecutive five-clean sheets (450 minutes) against Niger Tornadoes, Warri Wolves, Kwara United, Crown and Heartland suffered the injury when he collided with a teammate during training.
Ironically, Aiyeleso Suraq, who lost his position to James due to a toe injury on the eve of the match day nine encounter at Tornadoes returns to taste match action after watching the last five matches from the bench.
“It’s painful that I won’t be in goal, but I’m confident that Suraq will do well. I’ll be back to set a 10-match record. I’ve enjoyed every minute on the field in the last five matches,†James told SuperSport.com.
Impressive central defender, Fade Adebayo, who has scored back-to-back free-kicks against Kwara United and Crown, insists teamwork will do the magic against Juth.
“We have a six-match unbeaten run that we want to maintain and another record of five clean sheets. The squad are determined to set a standard in the Premier League. The players understand what to do and we work together to get results for the team.
“Our technical crew has worked on the team and Juth don’t stand a chance against us,†Adebayo said.
Adebayo and his central defence partner, Seun Sogbesan, as well as full-backs, Abubakar Yusuf and Cletus Promise, will have to be at their best to contain Juth’s attack which is the worst in the Premier League with only five goals from 11 matches.
The winless Jos side will have to rise up to the challenge to avoid another home defeat after last Thursday’s 1-2 loss to Kano Pillars.
Although both sides are rookies in the Premier League, Bukola Babes have since adapted to the rough terrain with results that have boosted their position on the log, while JUTH have maintained their poor run and remain at the base of the 20-team log.
