Akwa United of Uyo look set to emerge as champions of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the first time in their history, as they need just a draw from Sunday’s game in front of their home fans.
Megasportsarena.com reports that, though the race for Nigeria’s two remaining continental tickets will have to go all the way to the final game of matches on Thursday, The Promise Keepers should seal the title on Sunday evening.
This is because Akwa United only need a point against visiting Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministry (MFM) FC of Lagos for them to be crowned champions for the first time in their history.
This comes four years after the 2015 champions of Nigeria’s oldest domestic competition took home the first edition of the AITEO FA Cup at Agege Stadium, Lagos; where they won 3-2 via penalties’ shoot-out against Niger Tornadoes of Minna.
The victory handed Akwa United 25 Million Naira ($70,323) prize money, a glittering trophy and ticket to represent Nigeria in the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup competition.
Thier goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo won both the Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player awards, then handler of the side, Abdul Maikaba was adjudged Best Coach and top striker, Christian Pyagbara claimed the Top Scorer’s award with seven goals.
The Uyo-based side currently have 68 points from 36 matches, six points clear of their closest rivals, Nasarawa United of Lafia and Enyimba of Aba, while Kano Pillars (61 points) and Rivers United (60 points) are still within a striking distance.
Akwa United, who have twice won the FA Cup, have excelled this season under the leadership of veteran sports journalist, editor and publisher, Etobong Paul Bassey, and they have grown into a stable club to be taken more seriously.
This season, The Promise Keepers have compiled an 18-match unbeaten run to show they mean business and, despite the departure of their leading goals scorer, Ndifreke Effiong overseas, they continue firing on all cylinders, as Charles Atsimene and Ubong Friday have stepped up.
Coach of the Akwa Ibom State-owned side, Kennedy Boboye, who won his first NPFL title with Plateau United of Jos, is already excited about pulling off another conquest of the domestic league with the Uyo outfit,
Boboye’s side moved a step closer to a first title following a 3-0 win against Jigawa Golden Stars of Jalingo in Uyo last Sunday, with Ubong Friday, Charles Atshimene and Wisdom Fernando all on target for The Promise Keepers.
That meant Akwa United top the standings with 67 points from 35 matches, while Nasarawa United maintained second position with a 4-0 win against FC Ifeanyiubah of Nnewi, as Silas Nwankwo bagged a brace for The Solid Miners in the game.
The 18-year-old Nwankwo has now scored 18 goals this season for the team that also qualified for the FA Cup final on Thursday, while Aliyu Abdullahi and Chigozie Obasi scored the other goals for Bala Nikyu’s side.
Elsewhere, Rabiu Ali scored a decisive goal from the penalty spot in 54th minute to help Kano Pillars continue their title push for a continental ticket with a 1-0 win against Abia Warriors of Umuahia at Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
