Akwa United, 2021 Champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), gave their survival hopes a huge boost with a dominant 3-1 win over Enyimba in Uyo on Monday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Upon the team’s return to the beautiful Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for the first time since the goalless draw with Sporting Lagos earlier in the season, goals from defender Phillip David and a brace from mid-season signing Sani Suleiman set the tone for the win. In-form Chijioke Mbaoma scored the visitors’ only goal.
The Promise Keepers have had things difficult this season under the tutelage of former Enyimba head coach Fatai Osho, and even after his exit, caretaker coach Umar Abdullahi has not been able to find the winning formula with Akwa United. Still, they managed to return to winning ways against the champions.
David, who scored against Enyimba in the reverse fixture in Aba, opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a close-range finish. Both sides huffed and puffed in the remaining minutes of the half but the goalkeepers – Jean Efala (Akwa United) & Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba) – kept the scoreline intact until the break.
Just like they did in the opening half, Akwa United doubled their lead ten minutes after the restart. Suleiman, who scored a fantastic goal against Sporting Lagos on Wednesday, dribbled past the onrushing Olorunleke before putting the ball into an unguarded net. Stunned by the goal, Enyimba managed to get one back through Mbaoma from the spot, as the forward continued his excellent scoring form in front of goal.
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However, there was still time for Suleiman to complete his brace with a fabulous finish and seal the win in stoppage time as Akwa United claimed their first win in four league outings.
In other games played on Monday, 10-man Sporting Lagos held Doma United to a goalless draw at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, while Abia Warriors shocked Kano Pillars 1-0 in Kano courtesy of Daniel Ijeh’s late spectacular strike.
Matchday 23 will come to an end on Tuesday when Gombe United and Shooting Stars face off at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
