The management of El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri has expressed its grievances over a sponsored report published by Sure FM 97.5 , Lagos State, claiming that vehicle belonging to Ikorodu City FC of Lagos was damaged by the club during their last home match in Maiduguri .
The club in a statement released on Monday and made available to journalists by the Media Officer of the club Aliyu Mustapha frowned at such unethical conduct, describing the station’s report as false and misleading.
The statement added that the video circulated by Sure FM 97.5 did not in any way reflect what transpired at the stadium between the two teams as El-Kanemi Warriors do prioritize the safety of the away teams in which the team will continue to uphold.
The team called on the radio station to pull down the purported report published on its various platforms without delay and come up with accurate and true report of the event .
The statement reads :
Dear Sure FM 97.5, our attention has been drawn to your recent post regarding the match between El-Kanemi Warriors FC and Ikorodu FC . The report is biased, untruthful, misleading and targeted against the Northern clubs”
“The match proceeded as expected, both the match officials and the away team left the stadium peacefully. ” “Surprisingly, your organization circulated a video suggesting otherwise, which I believe tarnishes your reputation and does not accurately reflect the events that transpired.
“There is a video that shows players and officials of Ikorodu City being escorted by the Nigeria Police Force, a standard practice of hospitality extended by El-Kanemi Warriors to ensure safety of our visitors “
“It’s important for the Media to recognize the strengths and achievements of all teams, regardless of their region,but your station always go against Northern teams”
“In one of our previous matches where we lost to Rivers United, our fans cheered the visitors despite our challenges
“We have maintained a culture of respect and goodwill, and it is disappointing to see your media house portray different narrative without proper investigation”
” It is pertinent to note that the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports development in the state, Comrade Saina Buba escorted the match officials, Ikorodu players and officials to their lodge which he always does to away clubs whenever they came to Maiduguri,our hospitality to away teams is second to none”
“Ikorodu City FC can attest to the warm reception and encouragement provided by the Commissioner and the teeming fans, they enjoyed a spirited atmosphere and left the stadium peacefully.
‘Comrade Saina Buba’s proactive approach not only enhances the sporting experience but also helps to strengthen community ties through sportsmanship”
” It is essential for Sure FM 97.5, Lagos to pull down the cooked report and portray the event as happened with immediate effect or see the other side of the club “
