Boost for Akwa United as Adeyinka, Gbadebo returns for Enyimba clash

Boost for Akwa United as Adeyinka, Gbadebo returns for Enyimba clash

MFON PATRICK

Nigeria Professional Football League title holders Akwa United received a major boost following the return to fitness of two of their key players; goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka and defender Samson Gbadebo ahead of their match-day 27 tie against Enyimba on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka missed his team’s last two games (1-0 win against Lobi Stars and a 1-0 loss against Katsina United) following an injury.

Defender Samson Gbadebo has not been in action since match-day 18 after sustaining a domestic injury, but the duo who were instrumental to the Promise Keepers on their title winning campaign last season have been confirmed fit and were part of coach Ayodeji Ayeni’s training programmes throughout the week, and may likely return to action on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of his team’s crucial game against Enyimba, coach Ayodeji Ayeni in an exclusive interview with the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.com said his team is in good shape to go all out for victory.

“We are delighted to see all our players. back to training after some injury concerns. We got positive news from the medical department when we came back from Katsina and with that there has been lots of competitions among the players because they all want to play.

“We are particularly happy to have Adewale and Gbadebo back in the team. Their return to fitness is a big boost to all of us.

“As a team, we are committed and determined to ensure we make the best we can out of this season. From what we have done in our training programmes, I can boldly say that we are in top shape and fully prepared for any challenge.

“Our match against Enyimba is a key match for us and we have to give it our all to ensure we get a positive result. I have passed the message to my players and they are aware of the importance of this game so we won’t leave anything to chance”.

Akwa United 6th on the log with 39 points have recorded ten wins, nine draws and seven loses after 27 rounds of matches. The champions will be aiming for their 11th victory of the season on Sunday when they engage 7th placed Enyimba who are one place and one point behind them.

The Peoples Elephants won the first leg 1-0 in Aba but they have lost all three of their previous visits to Uyo.

Coach Ayodeji Ayeni who was voted NPFL Best coach in the month of April after guiding Akwa United to three wins and three draws in the month under review, will be aiming for his fourth win in eight games since joining the club in mid-season.

The game is billed to kickoff at four O’clock (4pm) in the afternoon.

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