NPFL: Akwa United set sight on victory against Enyimba

By MFON PATRICK - Nigeria Professional Football League leaders, Akwa United are poised to further extend their lead at the pinnacle of the standings this weekend, as they aim for their 16th victory of the season when they host Enyimba International on match-day 32 at the Iconic Godswill Akpabio International Stadium - the Nest of Champions, in Uyo.

Fresh from securing a vital point in Jos against Plateau United on match-day 31, the goalless draw helped the Promise Keepers to open a two-point gap over joint second placed teams, Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars heading into this weekend's fixture.

Coach Kennedy Boboye's men have banished all memories of their Aiteo Cup elimination by Gateway FC and are fully focused on continuing their impressive run of form at the Nest of Champions, where they have recorded 12 victories in 15 games.

With seven matches to go before the end of the season, United have resolved to approach each game as a Cup final. Sunday's game against Enyimba will be the reverse of match-day 12 which ended 1-1 in Aba.

The Promise Keepers have since witnessed the return of midfielder Seth Mayi and striker Charles Atshimene into the team, while defender Olisa Ndah only returned to Uyo on Saturday after representing Nigeria in a recent international friendly against Mexico in America.

With 15 wins, 12 draws and four loses in 31 games thus far, the Promise Keepers are unstoppable at the Nest of Champions having found the back of the net 26 times and conceded on six occasions in 15 home games, and will once again be inspired by their impeccable form to go for victory against 4th placed former champions who narrowly beat Kwara United 1-0 in their outstanding game in mid-week.

Coach Kennedy Boboye will be expecting two-time league top scorer and former Enyimba captain Mfon Udoh and strike partner Charles Atshimene to be on top of their game for the team to get the much needed goals. The duo have scored 17 goals between them so far in this campaign.

Goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka has proven his worth between the sticks for Akwa United having kept 15 clean sheets in 26 league matches and will return to duty after sitting out the Aiteo Cup match in Abuja on Wednesday. 

In the previous 21 meetings between the two teams, the Promise Keepers picked up six wins, Enyimba recorded nine victories while six of those encounters ended in draws.

The Peoples Elephant have struggled on their travels this season and in their last 11 away games, they managed three wins, three draws and  suffered five defeats.

Victory for Akwa United by any margin will see them consolidate on their top spot as they continue to chase their maiden NPFL title.

Credit: MFON PATRICK (Akwa United Media Officer).