Osun United FC’s Chairman, Gbenga Ololade Oriowo, has stressed that the Omoluabi Giants would strive to get a positive result that would end their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)'s exile since 2008.

Osun United needed a stoppage time penalty kick converted by Nurudeen Abolude to get a share of the spoils against Crown FC despite playing with 10 men for some part of the second half.

Oriowo while speaking with journalists affirmed that it is his team’s determination to secure a spot in the NPFL to end their 17 years exile.

He highlighted the quality in the Omoluabi Giants and their readiness for the final game against Kun Khalifat FC on Thursday.

"It was a local derby but what I was not happy about is that shortly before kick off I expressed my concerns about the match officials knowing that the Centre Referee is from Lagos. I asked that it should be changed to a Northern team or South East," Oriowo told journalists.

"Matches between both teams are always quite hot because we know each other. I know the game would be tight and it could go violent. I was told not to bother but you all saw what happened at the end of the game. 

"We are focused. Our aim is to qualify for the premiership. I had been there before with Prime FC which I started in 2003. We spent barely a year in the various lower leagues we played before we qualified for the premier League then.  Then the team belonged to Oshogbo Local Government.  I am grateful to God that we are able to secure a draw.

The Chairman also thanked the Osun State government for their support, praising Governor Ademola Adeleke’s sports-loving approach.

"Our Governor is a sports loving Governor. He plays football and Table Tennis and has given us all the support. He has promised the team lands and other things as reward if we qualify for the NPFL. 

"The team is well motivated. We are like friends and it is going to be a local derby against Kun Khalifat. We shall remain friends even after the game."

Currently, Osun United tops Group B table with four points from two games, putting them within reach of NPFL promotion.