MFON PATRICK

Reigning Nigeria Professional Football League Champions Akwa United recorded their biggest victory in the NPFL following a resounding 6-1 thrashing of Nasarawa United on match-day 24 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Captain Ubong Friday, who recently returned to full fitness opened the flood-gate of goals in the seventh minute when he slammed home a rebound after goalkeeper Danlami Umar spilled Bello Babatunde’s ferocious strike from a free kick.

Midfielder Adam Yakubu doubled the lead in the 15th minute tucking in Bello Babatunde’s low cross before speedster Wisdom Fernando scored twice within seven minutes.

Fernando first received a long pass from goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka and skipped past the opposing defenders before sending his low drive into the bottom left corner of the post. The speedster then grabbed his brace when he stylishly volleys home his team’s fourth goal of the afternoon as they went into the break with a deserved lead.

On resumption of play, Nasarawa United enjoyed few moments of possession and pulled a goal back through King Osanga.

Akwa United responded almost immediately through Bello Babatunde whose well-timed strike flew past Danlami Umar into the back of the net.

With ten minutes before the end of the game, substitute striker Franklin Matib put the icing on the cake when he raced down the right flank and unleashed a powerful strike beyond Danlami Umar for Akwa United’s sixth goal of the game as the hosts secured their eighth win of the season.

The 6-1 victory over Nasarawa United was the first time Akwa United have beaten any team by such a wide margin in their 14 seasons in the Nigeria’s top flight league.

Coach Ayodeji Ayeni’s team are on a five-match unbeaten run comprising two (2) wins and three (3) draws.

Coach Ayeni in a post match interview congratated his players for putting up a splendid performance against a team like Nasarawa United.

“We are improving everyday, and I’m happy that we have been able to change the mentality of the players and hard work we put in during training is beginning to reflect in our matches and the boys are also very confident and determined.

“Our attention is now on the game against Lobi Stars this weekend. Our target is to give our very best in all our games while hoping for the best as we continue to move forward “.

The Promise Keepers remained 7th on the log with 36 points from 24 games and they will next engage Lobi Stars in Uyo on Sunday 24th April, 2022.

  Adewale Adeyinka, Akwa United, Danlami Umar, King Osanga, Nasarawa United, NPFL, NPFL22, Ubong Friday, Uyo, Wilson Fernando