By Solomon OKPO.
Akwa United delivered a commanding performance on matchday 29 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, securing a 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.
After a tightly contested goalless first half, the Promise Keepers found their breakthrough when center-back Endurance Ebedebiri capitalized on a loose ball inside the box, firing home following a well-placed delivery from Seyi Oguntayo. The goal marked Ebedebiri’s fourth of the season.
Moments later, Uche Sabastine sealed the win in style. Receiving a precise pass from Osoba Kabir, Sabastine embarked on a solo run and calmly slotted the ball through the legs of Shooting Stars’ goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal to double Akwa United’s lead.
The victory extended Akwa United’s unbeaten run to three matches, though they remain 19th on the league table with 31 points from 29 matches. The win also strengthened their head-to-head record against Shooting Stars, boasting eight victories, three draws, and seven losses in their last 18 encounters.
Speaking to Sports Recorder after the match, Akwa United’s assistant coach, Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, commended his team’s improving performance. He emphasized their commitment to fighting for every available point in the remaining nine matches of the season.
The 2021 NPFL champions will now shift their focus to the 2025 President Federation Cup, where they will face NNL side Kebbi United in the Round of 64 at the Bwari Mini Stadium in Abuja on Wednesday, before returning to league action against Kwara United in Ilorin over the weekend.
