Akwa United’s 2-1 win over Shooting Stars ended their poor run of six games without a win in the NPFL. Akwa grabbed three crucial points at the Nest of Champions, Uyo. This was the first win for coach Ayodeji Ayeni since he joined Promise Keepers from Sunshine Stars. If you have been wagering on NFPL, you must have noticed Akwa United’s struggles.
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The win by Akwa United must have also caught football bettors by surprise based on their recent form. Before the victory, coach Ayeni had only managed two draws against Rivers at home and Kano Pillars in Katsina.
Babatunde Scored his Debut for Akwa
Akwa United’s new signing Bello Babatunde opened the scoring in the 15th minute, firing past the 3SC keeper to record his debut goal. The host kept knocking on their visitor’s goal, but the first half ended 1-0.
In the second half, both coaches made some tactical changes to try and get the edge over their opponent. Coach Ayeni was the first to make a change as his team pushed for a second goal to secure their victory. He brought in Adeyemi to replace David Onovo in the 46th minute. On the other hand, an injury to Sunday Faleye forced the Shooting Stars coach to substitute him with Ghali Falke in the 48th minute.
As the visitors tried to equalize to at least grab a point from the match, it was Akwa who scored the second in the 69th minute through Naibe Akpesiri to double their lead. The Shooting stars managed to pull one back through Chidera Ezeh in the 81st minute, but they couldn’t do more.
The result means Akwa United remains 8th in the league table with 32 points. On the other hand, Shooting Stars remain in the 12th position with 27 points.
Other Matches
In other matches, there was a four-goal thriller at the Pantami Stadium as Gombe thrashed 10-man Nasarawa. Gombe beat Nasarawa 3-1 in the game, proving they have made Pantami Stadium a coven.
At the Ilorin stadium, the match ended 1-1 after two quick goals from Kwara United and Plateau United. The result denied the Afonja Warriors a chance to move into the top three.
However, the draw meant Plateau could still finish in the top four, although they are currently second with 45 points. Kwara United holds the fifth position with 35 points.
