Akwa United defeat Shooting Stars to keep NPFL survival hopes alive
Akwa United FC boosted their chances of avoiding relegation with a vital 2-0 win over Shooting Stars of Ibadan in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 29 fixture on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Promise Keepers began the day in 19th place on the NPFL table and were desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone. Shooting Stars, on the other hand, came into the game aiming for a continental spot but were winless in six matches, having lost three and drawn three.
Kennedy Boboye’s men started the game with intent, using long balls to test the Shooting Stars defence. However, despite their efforts, they couldn’t find a breakthrough in the first half.
Akwa United continued their pressure after the break and were finally rewarded when defender Endurance Ebedebiri scored from close range. A poor clearance from the visitors fell kindly to Ebedebiri inside the six-yard box, and he made no mistake in slotting home the opener.
Minutes later, striker Uche Sebastine doubled the lead for the home side. He ran past four Shooting Stars defenders and calmly poked the ball into the net, sending the home crowd into wild celebration. Sebastine celebrated his goal with the newly sworn-in Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, who was present in the Stadium.
The victory takes Akwa United’s points tally to 31 from 29 matches, giving them hope of surviving relegation with nine games remaining this season.
NPFL Matchday 29 Results
- Akwa United 2-0 Shooting Stars
- Ikorodu City 2-2 Enyimba FC
- Remo Stars 2-0 Heartland
- Abia Warriors 1-0 Bendel Insurance
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Lobi Stars
- El Kanemi Warriors 1-2 Rivers United
- Kano Pillars 1-1 Nasarawa United
- Rangers Int’l 3-0 Kwara United
- Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Katsina United
Akwa United will now look to build on this result in their remaining fixtures as they continue their fight to stay in the NPFL.
