Ranchers Bees technical adviser Usman Abdallah has criticised the officiating after his side were held to a goalless draw by Rivers United in their Matchday 6 Nigeria Premier Football League encounter.
The two teams played out a 0-0 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to find the breakthrough.
Abdallah was unhappy with some of the decisions made during the game and believed they affected Ranchers Bees’ chances of claiming all three points.
Ranchers Bees went into the match looking to build on their recent results after returning to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance.
However, they were unable to break down a disciplined Rivers United side, with the visitors holding firm to secure a point.
The result moved Ranchers Bees from 15th to 11th position in the early NPFL standings.
For Abdallah, though, the draw was not simply a case of his players failing to take their chances.
The coach pointed to what he considered poor officiating and argued that Ranchers Bees should have received better decisions during the encounter. His comments were made in the aftermath of a match in which both teams had opportunities to score.
While Ranchers Bees were left frustrated, Rivers United continued their strong beginning to the campaign.
Finidi George’s side remain unbeaten after five matches, recording three wins and two draws, with one game in hand.
The point in Kano took Rivers United to 11 points and moved them into second position at the time of the report.
The Port Harcourt club have also continued to show defensive resilience, although their inability to convert chances against Ranchers Bees meant they had to settle for a point.
Rivers United will now turn their attention to their next league fixture against Katsina United as they look to return to winning ways.
For Ranchers Bees, the draw provides another point but also leaves Abdallah wanting more from his players.
The club have experienced an eventful start to their return to the NPFL, with their home matches now being played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
They began the season with a 3-1 defeat to Ikorodu City before recording a 4-0 victory over Abia Warriors. They then lost 3-1 to Barau FC, defeated Bendel Insurance 2-1 and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rangers before the Rivers United draw.
The latest result therefore leaves Ranchers Bees with a mixed record after six rounds, their next assignment will be another important test away to Kwara United in Ilorin.
With the season still in its early stages, Abdallah will know that Ranchers Bees cannot afford to dwell too long on the decisions from one match.
The team have already shown they can compete in the top flight, but consistency will be important if they are to establish themselves comfortably after returning to the NPFL.
The Rivers United match also showed the difference between creating chances and converting them. Both sides had opportunities, but neither found the quality required in the final third.
For Ranchers Bees, the immediate task is now to turn their frustration into a positive response against Kwara United.
The Kano-based side will hope for improved finishing, better consistency and fewer controversial talking points as the NPFL season continues.
For Rivers United, meanwhile, the unbeaten run continues another indication that Finidi George’s men have made a strong start to the campaign.
