Akwa United’s Caretaker Coach encourages players to play with freedom

In the midst of a challenging season, Umar Abdullahi, the caretaker coach of Akwa United, has called on his players to embrace freedom, enjoy their game, and remain committed to the club’s objectives.

Akwa United, the 2021 NPFL champions, are gearing up for a demanding encounter against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Thursday, December 28, where both teams will vie for crucial points following recent managerial changes.

The Promise Keepers have encountered a tough start to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League season, finding themselves positioned unfavorably in the league standings.

The team has struggled to convert opportunities into goals, and Coach Abdullahi is keen on addressing this issue.

Acknowledging the team’s goal-scoring challenges, Coach Abdullahi emphasized the importance of players staying alert to maximize their chances in the upcoming match against Katsina United. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to turn the tide, especially in front of goal.

“It’s been a rough road for us since the beginning of the season, but I’m confident that the situation will change here in Katsina.

We know what the issue is, and we have done our best to address it in our training sessions. Our ball play is good, we always create chances, but getting the ball into the back of the net seems to be a challenge,” Coach Abdullahi remarked.

Encouraging his players to approach the match with confidence and freedom, the caretaker coach highlighted the need for quick decision-making and maintaining composure in execution.

When we play well and we don’t score, the boys sometimes play under pressure and with lots of anxiety. That is why I want them to go into this match against Katsina with confidence and to express themselves as professionals while playing with freedom.

“With our style of play, the chances to score are always there, and we have told the boys to always think and make quick decisions while maintaining high level of calmness in moment of execution. The goal drought we have been experiencing will surely come to an end here in Katsina because we are here to give our best, make good use of the opportunities that will come our way as we go for all three points.”

He expressed optimism that the goal drought the team has faced will come to an end in the upcoming fixture, emphasizing the team’s determination to give their best and secure all three points.