Akwa United pip Plateau United, pick up all three points in NPFL

Akwa United defeated visiting Plateau United 1-0 in their NPFL Matchday 11 encounter on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The Promise Keepers came into the game having lost their last game in the league and were missing key striker, Mfon Udoh. Plateau United on the other hand have one of the best defensive setups in the league, with keeper Chinedu Anozie having kept five clean sheets so far. It was not until the 54th minute that Akwa United finally broke the deadlock through Charles Atshimene. The forward found himself in the box as talismanic Ndifreke Effiong fired in a low center from the left flank. Atshimene exuded calmness as he controlled the ball before opting to scoop it into the roof of the net to score the only goal of the game. Akwa United finished the game with 10 men after right back, Etboy Akpan was sent off for two bookable offences.

Akwa United coach, Kennedy Boboye attributed the victory to his half time team talk in which he highlighted the need for the win to his boys and they came out ready to do the business, while Plateau United coach, Abdu Maikaba blamed his side’s loss on their ineffectiveness in front of goal on the day.

Effiong has now been involved in all 8 of Akwa United’s goals at home this season with 6 goals and 2 assists as he continues to highlight his all-round importance to the team. He has assisted both of Atshimene’s goals in the NPFL this season. Akwa United have risen up to 5th on the log, while Plateau United drop to 15th.