Boboye Reveals What Akwa United Must Do to Avoid Relegation
Head coach of Akwa United, Kennedy Boboye, has admitted that his team must be more clinical in front of goal if they want to stay in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season.
Boboye made this known after Akwa United were held to a 1-1 draw by El-Kanemi Warriors on matchday 33 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.
Osoba Kabir gave the Promise Keepers an early lead in the 19th minute with a fine strike – his fourth goal of the season – after receiving a smart pass from Chisom Orji. But a second-half own goal by substitute Wisdom Ndon gifted the visitors an equaliser.
Speaking after the match, Boboye said he was disappointed with the result and stressed that his team must improve their finishing to avoid relegation.
“Honestly, it’s very disappointing and frustrating that we didn’t get all three points. We created several chances in the first half and could have killed the game early, but we were not sharp in front of goal,” Boboye said.
“At this stage of the season, we can’t afford to waste chances, especially at home. We paid for it with a late equaliser — which was even an own goal.”
The former league-winning coach explained that the team had worked on finishing during training, but the players failed to deliver when it mattered most.
He added that tactical changes were made to protect their lead in the second half, but the plan did not work as expected.
Looking ahead, Boboye said the team must now focus on their remaining five matches, work harder, and show more determination to climb out of the relegation zone.
“We’ve looked at the table, and we know there’s still work to be done. But we believe we can escape relegation if we stay focused and take our chances. We’re also counting on the support of our fans during these crucial games.”
The result leaves Akwa United in 18th place on the NPFL table with 38 points from 33 matches.
Next, they will face Inter Lagos in the President Federation Cup on Wednesday in Abuja, before returning to league action against Plateau United in Jos on matchday 34.
