Sports Recorder.
Akwa United will kick off the second stanza of their 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a home clash against league leaders Remo Stars on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. This marks the Promise Keepers’ first league outing in the new year, a crucial match as they aim to salvage their season.
Sitting in 19th place after a disappointing first round that saw them record five wins, four draws, and ten losses, the 2021 NPFL champions are determined to turn their fortunes around under returning head coach Kennedy Boboye.
Boboye, who famously led the team to their first league title, has rejoined the club alongside assistant coach Ifeanyi Nwachukwu following the resignation of Muhammed Babaganaru.
The Akwa United management has bolstered the squad with new signings, including forwards Uche Sabastine and Orji Chisom, midfielders Ogar Sabastine and Samuel Tochukwu, and defender Adamu Umar. Additionally, right-back Asuquo Etiene has returned from a loan spell with Dakkada FC, further strengthening the team.
In preparation for the league’s resumption, Akwa United played three mid-season friendlies, recording a dominant 5-0 victory over Immortality Academy, a 3-0 win against NNL side Godswill Akpabio United, and a 1-1 draw with NPFL rivals Abia Warriors. These results have boosted confidence ahead of the clash with Remo Stars.
Coach Boboye will rely on key players like strikers Chijioke Alaekwe and Friday Apollos, who have scored nine goals combined this season, to lead the charge. The Promise Keepers will also aim to build on their impressive home record against Remo Stars, who are yet to secure a win in Uyo.
Historically, Akwa United has had the upper hand in this fixture, boasting six wins compared to Remo Stars’ three, with their last encounter in Ikenne ending in a narrow 2-1 defeat for the Uyo-based side. Sunday’s match provides an opportunity for revenge and a chance to reignite their campaign.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm, and the match will be streamed live on the NPFL Live App, with updates available on Akwa United’s social media platforms.
All eyes will be on Uyo as the Promise Keepers embark on their redemption mission.
