Akwa United extended their lead at the summit to four points after defeating 2nd placed Nasarawa United 2-1 on Thursday. In the other match on the same pitch, Kwara United’s title push suffered a minor setback as Matchday 30 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was concluded with the Uyo Double Header at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The outcome delighted Akwa United handler, Kennedy Boboye but who insisted it’s not yet time to be fooled into complacency.
He told npfl.ng after the fixture, “We will not be distracted by our current run, but rather will tackle each game based on their peculiarity”.
Boys is gunning for his second title in the NPFL having led Plateau United to a surprise win seasons back.
Kennedy Boboye’s side knew a win for them against the Solid Miners will restore their four point advantage, while the visitors were also aiming to leapfrog the Uyo based side to go top of the table with a possible win.
In a fierce opening half, characterized with dexterity and end-to-end stuff, Akwa United could have taken the lead inside three minutes, when Ikechukwu Nwani missed a sitter within 10 yards. The visitors almost turned things to their advantage in the 20th minute following a quick break. Goalkeeper Adeyinka Adewale needed a finger tip save to deny Silas Nwankwo, to keep the score barren.
Ten minutes later, Samuel Amadi curled a free kick past Galadima Mohammed to put the home side in front. They would secure a second in added time of the first half when Marshall Johnson headed home Etboy Akpan’s corner kick. Nasarawa United managed to reduce the deficit in the 77th minute through Adamu Hassan’s penalty, after Sampson Gbdebo had upended the substitute inside the box.
Despite the defeat, Nasarawa United kept their place on the log (second), much to the pleasure of their head coach Bala Nikyu, who admitted it was a difficult fixture for both teams. The Solid Miners are at home to relegation threatened Jigawa Golden Stars on Sunday, while Akwa United face a tricky tie away to Plateau United.
In the earlier fixture, Dakkada FC had to wait till stoppage time of the first half before breaking the deadlock. Godwin Inamoto took advantage of a defensive gap to secure his first goal of the campaign. Kwara United’s advances were curtailed by the excellent pair of Francis Odinaka and Olawale Doyeni in defense, as goalkeeper Loveday Anugbuo produced another stunning performance.
Dakkada put the game beyo
nd the visitors from an unlikely source. Midfielder Emmanuel Charles got to the end of Unwana Asuquo’s cross to head home in the 85th minute.
The result puts Kwara United seven points adrift of leaders Akwa United, with a game to spare (against Enyimba in Aba), as they prepare for the visit of Enugu Rangers on Sunday. Dakkada who are twelve points away from the relegation zone travel to Bauchi for a date with Wikki Tourists.
Matchday 31 Fixtures
Enyimba v Rivers Utd
Plateau Utd v Akwa Utd
Nasarawa Utd v Jigawa GS
Katsina Utd v FCIU
Adamawa Utd v MFM
Kano Pillars v Lobi Stars
Heartland v Sunshine Stars
Wikki Tourists v Dakkada
Kwara Utd v Rangers
Warri Wolves v Abia Warriors
