Sports Recorder|By Solomon OKPO
Akwa United staged a spirited comeback to defeat Ikorodu City 2-1, claiming a vital eleventh win of the season and keeping their slim survival hopes alive with just three games left in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
In a tense Matchday 35 clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the visitors stunned the home crowd by taking an early lead in the 19th minute. Wisdom Ubani latched onto a loose ball and fired past the Akwa United goalkeeper, scoring against the run of play.
Unfazed, the Promise Keepers pressed forward and were rewarded in the 30th minute. Striker Uche Sebastian met Osoba Kabir’s well-delivered corner with a glancing header that nestled into the net, leveling the scoreline. It was Sebastian’s sixth goal of the season.
Akwa United continued to dominate proceedings and eventually found the winner in the 76th minute. Osoba Kabir, turning from provider to scorer, curled a beautiful effort into the top corner, notching his fifth goal of the campaign and sealing a crucial three points for coach Kennedy Boboyeβs men.
Despite the win, Akwa United remain in 18th place on the table with 41 points, as the battle to avoid relegation intensifies with only three matches remaining.
The stakes were high for both sides: Akwa United needed victory to escape the relegation zone, while Ikorodu City were hoping to strengthen their push for a historic CAF Confederation Cup qualification. However, it was the 2021 NPFL champions who dug deep to snap a three-game winless streak and maintain their unbeaten record at home against Ikorodu City.
Next up, Akwa United will shift focus to the President Federation Cup quarterfinals, where they face Kwara United this weekend in Enugu. Afterwards, they resume their league campaign with a tough away fixture against Bendel Insurance on Matchday 36.
