Akwa United Interim Coach labels poor run as “STRANGE” ahead of clash with Heartland FC
Interim coach of Akwa United FC, Umar Abdullahi has labeled the team’s underperformance as “strange,” calling on his players to work harder and turn their fortunes around.
Umar took charge of the Promise Keepers for a second Interim stint following the resignation of Coach Babaganaru following the home draw vs Bendel Insurance. In week 17, Akwa United suffered a 2-1 loss away to Bayelsa United FC.
Akwa United FC will be hoping to return to winning ways as they face Heartland FC on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in the 18th round of the ongoing 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The Promise Keepers have struggled in the first half of the season, securing only four wins from 17 matches, leaving them in the relegation zone with just 16 points.
Akwa United will enter the game desperate for a win, having gone three matches without victory. They face a Heartland FC side that is also struggling, with just one win in their last five matches. Heartland, currently six points ahead of Akwa United, will be a tough opponent, but a victory on Monday could help Akwa United climb out of the relegation zone and rebuild their confidence.
The team’s hopes will rely heavily on the attacking prowess of forwards Chijioke Alaekwe and Friday Apollos, who have scored a combined eight goals so far this season. Additionally, the return of striker Abson Mare from injury provides coach Abdullahi with more attacking options, boosting his chances of securing an important win.
Historically, Akwa United and Heartland have faced off 20 times in the league between 2012 and 2024, with Akwa United winning 8 of those encounters to Heartland’s 9, while 3 matches ended in draws.
Originally scheduled for Sunday, December 22, the match has been moved to Monday, December 23, due to unavailability of the match venue on the initial date. Kickoff will be at 4:00 PM.
