Tag: Akwa United

Akwa United will welcome the return of Paul Acquah, Reuben Bala, Seyi Oguntayo and Hakeem Otuyiga ahead of their NPFL Matchday 12 home  tie against Nasarawa United tomorrow. 

The four players took part in the team’s training sessions  throughout the week and are raring to make a return to the Promise Keepers who are desperate for a return to winning ways after their 1-0 loss to Niger Tornadoes in Minna last weekend.

“The team is boosted by the return to full fitness of forwards Paul Acquah, Reuben Bala, midfielder Seyi Oguntayo and goalkeeper Hakeem Otuyiga who all took part in the team’s training programmes throughout the week,” Akwa United Media wrote.

“Victory by any margin for the Promise Keepers on Saturday will move them out of the danger zone as they continue their upward push to a comfortable position on the log.”

Akwa United will be aiming to maintain their league dominance over Nasarawa United this Saturday when both teams engage each other on Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Both teams have endured a difficult start to the current season and are in the danger zone on the log with the Promise Keepers one place and three points behind their visitors who occupied 17th position and with 12 points from the opening eleven games of the season.

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The 2021 league champions will be targeting their second successive home victory since the beginning of the season following their 2-1 win over Kwara United in their last home match in Uyo on Matchday 10.

In Uyo, Akwa United have recorded two wins, two draws and suffered one defeat in their five home games so far this season while Nasarawa United have managed one win, one draw and three loses away from home thus far.

Akwa United have enjoyed a better head-to-head record over Nasarawa United in their 22 previous meetings in the league having picked up eight victories to Nasarawa United six wins while eight of those games ended in stalemates. The Promise Keepers’ 6-1 thrashing of the Solid Miners remains Akwa United’s biggest win margin in their top flight history.

Coach Muhammed Babaganaru and his boys have banished the memories of their slim defeat to Niger Tornadoes last weekend and are poised to get back to winning ways in front of their lively home fans tomorrow.

Nasarawa United head coach, Kabiru Dogo has challenged his players to look beyond the home loss to Kwara United and  seek improvement on their goals conversion as they prepare for a trip to Uyo against  Akwa United this weekend.

Despite dictating the pace of the game, the Solid Miners slumped to a 1-0 loss courtesy of Emmanuel Ogbole’s 45^th  minute strike and though the Harmony Boys were reduced to 10 men in the second half following Victor Adeoye’s second bookable offence in the 69^th  minute, they held on for a famous three points.

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Dogo called the result disappointing outcome because they had the opportunity to bury Kwara United with goals which were frittered away but he told his boys to forget about the home loss but gear all efforts towards the clash with Akwa United in Uyo.

“It’s a disappointing result for us today even though we played well. But I believe we will get things right,” Dogo said. “We didn’t take our chances, especially in the second half when our opponents were a man down with a red card.

“They had just one or two chances, and they took advantage of that. We take it in good faith and look forward to bouncing back in our next game.”

The Coach Kabir Dogo-led wards will next travel to Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State on Sunday, 17th November, 2024, seeking redemption on matchday 12, before embarking on a cross-country journey over to Jos, Plateau State, a week later, for another North-Central derby clash with Plateau United.

Former champions, Akwa United, will trade tackles with title holders, Rangers International in the pick of this weekend fixtures while relegated haunted duo of Bayelsa United and Heartland FC will clash in Yenagoa among other thrilling Nigeria Premier Football League games, writes TUNDE LIADI.

Following the fun-filled midweek Matchday Seven games that produced shocking results across 10 Nigeria Premier Football League venues, all is now set for the weekend’s hostilities  as the Nigerian topflight enters Matchday Eight.

The top of the weekend fixtures is no other than the battle of the former and reigning league champions in Uyo where Akwa United and Rangers International FC will slug it out on Monday.

In Yenagoa, it will  be a royale bass as Bayelsa United  host Heartland with both sides currently flirting with the relegation zone.

These MatchDay Eight games will hold tomorrow  and Monday due to  the  recent midweek fixtures.

Still smarting from their impressive 4-3 victory over Rangers in Enugu, Kano Pillars will welcome Kwara United to the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

 Inspired by the presence of Super Eagles Skipper, Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi and captain, Rabiu Ali, Sai Masu Gida have turned a new leaf and have become a force to be reckoned.

Kano Pillars are currently sixth on the log with 10 points and will hope to seal all points against Kwara United that annihilated in-form Sunshine Stars 3-0 in Ilorin on Wednesday. The game holds tommorrow.

Sunshine Stars versus Nasarawa United is another game to watch at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode. The Solid Miners beat Abia Warriors 3-0 in Lafia but they are up against the Owena Whales who were flogged by the same scores in Ilorin.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors will trade tackles with Plateau United. The Umuchineke crooners surprisingly lost 3-0 to Nasarawa United on Wednesday and will need to be up to their best to return to winning ways against the Peace Boys that handed Remo Stars their second defeat of the season.

Remo Stars , still rueing what hit them after they let in three goals in Jos against Plateau United, will host Bendel Insurance in Ikenne expecting a routine home win.

Read Also: Boboye turns Akwa United’s attention to Kano Pillars tie

The Benin Arsenals had beaten Bayelsa United 3-0 on Thursday and will hope to make the day as difficult as possible for the Sky Blue Stars who are currently second on the log with 15 points.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United will have their back to the wall when they host Heartland. The Prosperity Boys are 18th  with six points and they know that only a win tomorrow  would place them above their foes, the Naze Millionaires. It was a disappointing midweek for Heartland FC who had hoped to build on the impressive draw they got against El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri last weekend but they must put the home draw behind them and focus on Bayelsa United’s tie.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City will host Lobi Stars in a game a win could be the fillip they need to gradually leave the drop zone.

The Oga Boys held Heartland FC to a 1-1 draw in Owerri and will fancy their chances against the Pride of Benue who let slip a 2-0 lead to pick a 2-2 draw against El Kanemi Warriors on Wednesday.

Enyimba have commenced the long road trip to Maiduguri as guests of El Kanemi Warriors tomorrow  but can they end their two games winless streak? The People’s Elephant were held to a 1-1 draw by gritty Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday in Aba. It was a follow up to their goalless draw in Ibadan against Shooting Stars last weekend.

El Kanemi Warriors on their part will be under immense pressure to earn their first home win of the season after drawn games with Plateau United and Heartland FC in Maiduguri. The Borno Army have the most drawn games in the topflight with a win and five draws after six games.

On Monday, Niger Tornadoes will host Rivers United in search of their first home win of the season as well. Drawn games with Nasarawa United, Bendel Insurance, and Lobi Stars have not helped their cause at all.

Shooting Stars will be at home to Katsina United seeking a return to winning ways after their 2-0 loss to Rivers United in Port Harcourt. The Oluyole Warriors have only won one out of three home games and after their failure to win any in their last three games, head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote and his players will be under immense pressure to win this for their vociferous fans.

Katsina United on their part pinned Akwa United 1-0 at home on Thursday to move to fifth spot with 11 points. Can the Chanji Boys survive the Ibadan heat?

NPFL Matchday Eight fixtures

•Kano Pillars vs. Kwara United

•Sunshine Stars vs. Nasarawa United

•Abia Warriors vs. Plateau United

•Remo Stars vs.  Bendel Insurance

•Bayelsa United vs.  Heartland FC

•Ikorodu City vs.  Lobi Stars

•El Kanemi Warriors Vs Enyimba

•Niger Tornadoes vs. Rivers United

•Shooting Stars vs.  Katsina United

•Akwa United vs.  Rangers International FC

Sunshine Stars head coach, Kennedy Boboye, has charged his wards to keep their feet on the ground and not be carried away by their victory over Akwa United in Uyo last weekend.

The Owena Whales defeated the Promise Keepers 2-1 on Saturday for their second win of the season but Boboye noted that they must switch attention to the next away game against Kano Pillars and not be distracted by the allure of the away win.

An excited Boboye said he was thrilled to beat Akwa United in Uyo but that his full attention is on the weekend tie with Kano Pillars in Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.

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“After the last match against Abia Warriors, we told them to put the result of the game behind them and focus on today’s match, to God be the glory, we were able to coast home with maximum points,” Boboye  told the club’s media.

“We told the players we can regain the lost points elsewhere. Today’s match is done and dusted, we are now focusing on our next game, another away tie against Kano Pillars in Katsina.” Sunshine Stars will face Kano Pillars at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina this weekend.

Akwa United have unveiled their 17 new signings ahead of the start of the 2024-25 football season.

The Promise Keepers have signed two new goalkeepers, six defenders, five midfielders and four strikers.

Experienced goalkeeper, Darlintin Ovunda, who was part of Rivers United’s title winning side in the 2021 NPFL season joins the Uyo-based side from Heartland FC. 

Former national U-17 and U-20 utility player Charles Etim joined from Blessed Stars Football Club. Striker Mare Abson signed from Societe ASPAC Benin Republic, Ghanaian forward Paul Acquah from Al Anwar, Libya, striker Chijioke Alaekwe from Tayaran FC, Libya and striker Ruben Bala from Coton Sport FC.

Others are, Ghanaian goalkeeper Seidu Mutawakilu from Rivers United, Left-back Ubong Williams from Katsina United, defensive midfielder Samuel Matthew from Doma United, midfielder Chiamaka Madu came in from Rivers United while centre-back Ebedebiri Endurance joined from Rivers United. Right-back Eric Oguocha was captured from Plateau United.

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Also joining the Promise Keepers are midfielder Kunle Oyetosho from De-Carddendal FC, defender Ferinyaro Abdullahi from Gateway FC, Stephen Wisdom from Bendel Insurance and Agu Samuel from Giant Brillars FC.  Midfielder Olakunle Akala also made his switch from Nasarawa United.

Head coach of the team Muhammed Babaganaru expressed optimism that the players at his disposal are core professionals with necessary skills and quality to lead the team to glory in the new football season.

Akwa United will kick off their 2024-25 NPFL campaign against Lobi Stars at the Lafia City stadium on Sunday September 7, 2024.

Akwa United attacker Sani Suleiman is closed to sealing  a two-year deal with Slovakian side , AS Trencin, following an explosive second half of the season with the Promise Keepers.

The 17-year-old who won the Rookie of the Year at the last League Bloggers Awards,  scored 11 goals and 5 assists in 19 games for Akwa United to help the Promise Keepers maintain their top-flight status in the NPFL last season

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The youngster previously played for Nigeria National League outfit, Wikki Tourists before joining Akwa United during the 2023/2024 mid-season transfer window.

The Management of Akwa United Football Club have expressed appreciation to God Almighty, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State Pastor Umo Eno, Hon Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports and all the fans and supporters of the club for their prayers and support to the team which they say was instrumental to the team’s strong finish at the just concluded 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

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Addressing staff of the club Monday morning in Uyo, Chairman of the club Elder Paul Bassey expressed gratitude, first to God Almighty for journey mercies and protection granted the team throughout the season and above all, for crucial victories the team enjoyed which helped the club to retain their place in the Premier league, made possible by relentless prayers of the club’s spiritual fathers.

Bassey was particularly grateful to Governor Umo Eno for his massive support and trust in the team especially during the just concluded season which he described as the most turbulent season the club has experienced in the last eight years.

“His Excellency Governor Umo Eno should be appreciated for all the encouragement , moral and financial support we got during the season just ended.

“His Excellency’s love and support for the beautiful game has been massive and that support is evident even in his administration’s support for grassroot development as well as matches involving our senior national team the Super Eagles”.

The Club Boss also poured encomiums on his Principal the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports Sir Monday Ebong Uko who he described as his “pillar of strength “.

“ I never met his doors closed. Working with him has been an experience that gold cannot buy.

“ Impossible does not exist in this man’s dictionary of life. He hates regrets and “had I known” always pushing and encouraging.

“ His belief in me as a person and in my capacity propels me to greater heights, he is an exemplary leader,” the Chairman said.

He said he appreciated all the calls and messages from football administrators, fans and the media community across the country whom he said encouraged the team throughout the difficult season.

He  did not forget to thank the club technical crew led by Coach Muhammed Babaganaru who despite the poor state of the club, was bold enough to take up the gauntlet and succeeded. The players, management and staff who he described as “ committed, prayerful and hard working” were not left out of his speech.

He rounded off by promising to start in earnest, the process that will return the Promise Keepers to the Continent where they rightfully belong.

Super Eagles and Akwa United striker Edidiong Ezekiel on Saturday 27th  April  bid emotional farewell to his late father Apostle Enobong Ezekiel Akpan at a funeral service held at the  Living Faith Church, 

Uyo.

Edidiong who is in the books of 2021 Nigeria league champions Akwa United, had previously played for Dakkada FC and Remo Stars as well as representing Nigeria at the U-17, U-20, U-23 and home-based national team levels.

The star striker described his late father as a devoted Christian, an accomplished businessman and a committed and dedicated community leader.

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According to the biography which was read by the Super Eagles striker, late Apostle Enobong Ezekiel Akpan passed on at the age of 61 after a brief illness and he is survived by a wife, children, grand-children and many relatives who were present at the funeral to bid him farewell.

In his sermon, Pastor Ime David of Living Faith Church encouraged the family to remain strong in the Lord and be console in the fact that the deceased was a God fearing Christian who allowed God to pass through him to bless his family, the church and the society.

Late Apostle Enobong Ezekiel Akpan was laid to rest at his residence at Obot Idim, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The funeral service was attended by many dignitaries, friends and well wishes including the Chairman of Akwa United Football Club Elder Paul Bassey, the Management, coaches, staff and players of the club.