Kogi United Football Club’s new Head Coach, Tunde Abdulrahman, on Tuesday expressed optimism that his team would come out with a positive result in their away game against FC Taraba.

Abdulrahman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja that his team would surely continue their impressive performance with an away victory against the hosts in Jalingo.

“This will further put us in good standing to fight for promotion into the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL),’’ he said.

NAN reports that the Lokoja side’s game against FC Taraba is a Match Day 14 fixture of the 2016/2017 Nigeria National League (NNL).

It is billed for Wednesday at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, and is expected to be a star match in the league’s Northern Conference.

Abdulrahman said he guided FC Taraba to the NPFL in 2013 and has a better understanding of their tactics on the field.

He said he now has in Kogi United players who would give their all to get the needed result.

“We are ready mentally and physically for the second round and we want to start positively from the FC Taraba match. We are focused on getting our game and tactics right.

“I am expecting a good match, but we are not underestimating the hosts in spite of their internal challenges.

“Clubs in their condition are always dangerous to play, but I am positive of a good result,” Abdulrahman restated.

The coach said the environment could be an added advantage for Kogi United to have a good away outing.

He said the improved fairness and transparency in the officiating would also assist them to actualise their target.

“The domestic league has had a lot of improvement, where you can win away, draw or lose at home, thanks to fair officiating and proper monitoring.’’

NAN reports that Kogi United are on an unbeaten streak in their last four games of the first round of NNL.

They had wrapped it up in the first stage of their campaign with a 1-0 home win over FC Taraba.

NAN reports that the Jalingo-based club has had a dismal start to the season, losing two home games and drawing one in the first round.

(NAN)