Akwa United youngster Wisdom Ndon praised for brilliant outing vs Rivers United FC
Akwa United FC youngster Wisdom Ndon has earned praise for his brilliant outing vs Rivers United FC at the ongoing Naija Super 8 tournament in Lagos.
His second start at the tournament, the lanky central defender has continued with the excellent form which helped him break into the Akwa United FC XI, in the final weeks of the 2022/2023 season.
Against Rivers United FC on Monday July 10, Wisdom Ndon alongside new defence partner Chukwuebuka Anthony did just enough to keep the Rivers United FC attackers at bay, while capping the performance with a headed assist for Uchenna Collins to score the winner and send Akwa United FC into the last-4.
In his post match interview, recently appointed head coach of Akwa United FC Fatai Osho led in praise for the young defender, Wisdom Ndon.
Osho said of the lad after a 1-0 win over his former employer Rivers United FC ” He is a young talent that is very confident and knows how to neutralize attacks with ease, even in the worst situation, he can locate the midfielders and have the team sustain the ball. Take him to anywhere he will succeed, he’s a bundle of talent and I am so happy to have him in my team.”
Ndon also received plaudits from fans, stakeholders and journalists after the game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos State.
The youngster was rated as Akwa United’s best player of the match by award-winning Journalist Akila Matawal in his ratings from the match.
Ndon received 8.5/10 points on Akila’s rating to finish above match-winner Uchenna Collins who was named Hero of the match.
On the former Ibom Youths FC defenders performance vs Rivers United FC , Akila Matawal wrote ;
” After just his first NPFL season, Wisdom Ndon shows so much composure that has fetched him plaudits from former manager, Deji Ayeni and the fresh Fatai Osho.
” A rock in defense, Ndon kept Lukman Adefemi and Albert Korvah in check, helping to limit both players to just few attempts. Little wonder, both players got subbed off during the game.
” He capped off a brilliant outing with the headed assist for Uchenna Collins to score the game’s only goal. Rating: 8.5/10
SEE ALSO AKWA UNITED FC PLAYER RATING’S VS RIVERS UNITED FC – Credit Akila Matawal
As captain of the side, Jean Efala can easily pass for the tag: “leader by example” after his near-perfect display in goal for the Promise Keepers.
His plethora of saves kept Akwa United in the game; and although he would later get booked for time wasting, it paid off as Fatai Osho’s men held on for the win. Rating: 8/10
In a makeshift right back position, Abbey Benson excelled both defensively and offensively for Akwa United.
The defender combined well with the central defensive pair of wonderkid, Wisdom Ndon and Chukwuebuka Anthony, as well as David Philip to keep Rivers United’s attack at Bay throughout the game: Rating: 7/10
Instrumental to Akwa United’s Nigeria Premier Football League title triumph in 2021, David Philip has been out of favour since the end of that historic season.
He never started a single NPFL game in the 2021/2022 season. Same was the case in the just-concluded 2022/2023 season, but Fatai Osho took the bold step to play him.
Amazingly, he rolled back the years with a breathtaking display, cutting into midfield, joining attack severally and doing his defensive duties with so much ease.
He helped nullify the tricky Mark Gibson and forced the youngster to be pulled out earlier than expected for ineffectiveness. Rating: 8/10
After just his first NPFL season, Wisdom Ndon shows so much composure that has fetched him plaudits from former manager, Deji Ayeni and the fresh Fatai Osho.
A rock in defense, Ndon kept Lukman Adefemi and Albert Korvah in check, helping to limit both players to just few attempts. Little wonder, both players got subbed off during the game.
He capped off a brilliant outing with the headed assist for Uchenna Collins to score the game’s only goal. Rating: 8.5/10
One newbie who is already proving to be a good fit is Chukwuebuka Anthony. Raised in Uyo, adaptation looks pretty easy for the ex Rangers man.
He scored Akwa United’s first goal in the 2-1 win over Yobe Desert Stars; and although he didn’t score this time, he was never found wanting at his duty post.
His synergy with Wisdom Ndon in just two games together can be likened to that of bread and butter. What a signing Chukwuebuka Anthony is proving to be in so short a time. Rating: 7.5/10
Currently one of the most experienced midfielders in the NPFL, Dare Ojo is back like he never left with so much energy and mobility in Akwa United’s defensive midfield position.
It is safe to say that he has had two decent games with his displays against Yobe Desert Stars and Rivers United.
Ojo has been key to the liberty and freedom Salomon Chigoziem and Cyril Olisema enjoy – making the job easy for both midfielders to advance and feed the attackers. He again turned up against Rivers United in style. Rating: 7/10
Attacking midfielder, Salomon Chigoziem did his bit yet again for the Promise Keepers against Rivers United.
His combination with Cyril Olisema is an extension of the good times Akwa United enjoyed when the team went unbeaten for eight games last NPFL season.
In yesterday’s win, Chigoziem advanced well in transition and dropped to help the backline in moments of pressure. Rating: 6.5/10
The glue that holds Akwa United’s possessive game together has to be Cyril Olisema.
His eye for goal remains a scarce resource among midfielders in the NPFL.
A massive contribution of six goals and six assists in the league last season -despite playing only 13 games – is a clear testament to the ex Enyimba playmaker’s ability.
He again tried his trademark distant strike, but the effort failed him in the opening minutes against Rivers United. Yet, he put up a good show to help the Promise Keepers seal semi final qualification. Rating: 7.5/10
Left-footed winger, Mubarak Said is still trying to find his footing at the Naija Super 8.
The former Lobi Stars player has a left foot that if put to good use, will be a nightmare for defenders, but the lanky winger is struggling to hit the ground running.
He had his chance in the second half, but his decision to cut into his left and shoot backfired as the effort was poor and got blocked by Rivers United’s defense. A few times, he lost the ball and contributed little to Akwa United’s attacking play. Rating: 4/10
Handed his second start, Osoba Kabir showed commitment and dedication to duty against Rivers United.
Unlucky to have his goal against Yobe Desert Stars disallowed, Kabir didn’t slow down in the 1-0 win over Rivers United.
In truth, he looked the most threatening of Akwa United’s attackers in the game, even though he could not get on the score sheet.
Whether on Kazie Enyinnaya’s right side, or on Emmanuel Ampiah’s left, Osoba Kabir kept Rivers United’s full backs on their toes while the game lasted. Rating: 7/10
Trusted to start again after a quiet outing against Yobe Desert Stars, Uchenna Collins is the reason Akwa United are in the semi final.
His composed finish in the 57th did not only give Akwa United victory, it knocked out Rivers United from the competition.
What more can you ask for from a striker?
His job was done and was immediately replaced after the goal by new signing, Meshack Dennis.
And yes, he was voted “Hero of the Match”. Rating: 8/10
Substitutes, Ubong Essien, Sadiq Rilwan, Wisdom Fernando, Etim Mathew have not been rated. All four players were introduced after Akwa United’s goal, and not to take anything away from them, they played their part in keeping Akwa United’s lead intact.
