MFON PATRICK
Reigning Nigeria Professional Football League Champions Akwa United moved up to 5th position on the log with 39 points from 25 games following a slim 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars in Uyo on Sunday.
Bello Babatunde’s first-half strike secure maximum points for the Promise Keepers at the Nest of Champions
The decisive goal which came in the 36th minute was Babatunde’s third goal in three successive home games. The victory extended the Promise Keepers’ unbeaten run to six matches (3W, 3D) under coach Ayodeji Ayeni who joined the club in mid-season.
The victory was Akwa United’s tenth win of the season and their eighth in thirteen home games so far this season.
Akwa United maintained their impressive home form against the Pride of Benue who have lost all their previous nine visits to Uyo in the league since 2012.
Assessing his team’s performance coach Ayodeji Ayeni praised his players for their excellent fighting spirit.
“There is no game that is an easy game. Every team coming here to play against us always come with a tactics to slow the tempo of the game so as not to concede an early goal, but we were patient enough to get our goal.
“The most important thing is getting the three maximum points because there is no small victory in the game of football and I really want to appreciate my players for their fighting spirit.
“I also want to appreciate Lobi Stars because they showed good character and they gave us a tough match. We have to put this victory behind us and turn our attention to our next match”.
Akwa United will be aiming for their third away win when they travel to Katsina to honour match-day 26 against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium on Sunday 1st May, 2022.
