Sports enthusiasts in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital have expressed shock and sadness over the relegation of the two teams from the premiership league.

Cross section of supporters and fans who spoke to Daily Trust in Ilorin described the relegation as a sad day for sports in the state.

The two premiership clubs, Kwara United and Abubakar Bukola Saraki ended up in relegation zone after the conclusion of the league on Sunday. The Samson Unuanel tutored Kwara United settled for 1-1 draw with visiting Akwa Ibom United at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja to finish 17th on the log with 50 points while ABS lost 0-1 to Warri Wolves at away to finish 18th also with 50 points.

Speaking with our Correspondent yesterday, Chairman of Kwara United Supporters' Club, Alhaji Sulaiman Oba said the relegation of the two teams was unfortunate.

He said he was particularly saddened that despite the huge amount of money injected in Kwara United, the resources did not have impact on the team.

Oba blamed the Afonja Warriors' woes on the crises between its board and the management commitment, saying the board felt sidelined in the management of the team and was hell-bent on ensuring its downfall.

He however advised the government to learn a lesson from the relegation and appoint competent people including supporters into the board just as he urged the players not to exit the team.

Also, the Sports Writers' Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State chapter described the relegation as unfortunate and disastrous.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Bunmi Adedoyin and the Secretary, Jimoh Bashir, the association urged the two clubs, especially their supporters and fans to learn a lesson from the avoidable fall.

SWAN described the relegation of the two clubs as a big shame, especially to the so called stakeholders in the state who have leveraged on the existence of the two clubs only for selfish interest. 

The body vowed to expose all those behind the ugly development, even as they called on all genuine stakeholders to come together to discuss the way forward for the two teams.