Gov. Diri Pre-season tournament: Nigeria U-23 Star Edidiong Ezekiel on target as Akwa United share spoils with Abia Warriors

Caretaker August 12, 2024

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Edidiong Ezekiel and Akwa United FC at Gov Douye Diri pre-season football tournament

Nigeria U-23 star Edidiong Ezekiel scored a penalty to give Akwa United the lead in their 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors at the Gov Douye Diri pre-season football tournament in Yenagoa on Monday.

The game, which was Akwa United’s first Grade A friendly since resuming preparations for the new season, ended in a stalemate after Abia Warriors equalized in the second half.

Following the match, Akwa United head coach Baba Ganaru expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, despite the draw. “To be honest with you, I’m really impressed with my team’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors. The reason is simple, it was the first Grade A friendly match we have played since we resumed preparations for the new season. We didn’t win, and I’m not bothered about the result because this competition is for me and my technical team to properly look at the players we have on ground,” Ganaru said.

Ganaru praised the quality of the teams participating in the tournament and highlighted its importance for his squad. “I must commend the organizers of this tournament for the quality of teams they invited because these are teams we will play in the league, so it’s good for us to also face them in competitive games,” he noted.

The coach emphasised that while winning the tournament would be great, the primary goal is to use it for squad development. “We are here for a purpose, and we have to work towards achieving that purpose. It will be great if we win this competition, but if we don’t win, no problem. We are not here to kill ourselves over a pre-season trophy, but we will do all we can to ensure we use this tournament to blend our squad, and improve our game plan and tactics. My major concern is to ensure all the players have a taste of this tournament,” Ganaru added.

Akwa United FC at Gov Douye Diri pre-season football tournament

In the match, Ezekiel’s penalty, awarded after Mare Abson was fouled in the box, gave Akwa United the early advantage. However, Abia Warriors managed to level the score in the second half, and the game ended 1-1.

Akwa United’s next fixture is against Sunshine Stars on Wednesday at 10:00 AM, while Abia Warriors will face Bayelsa United in an 8:30 AM kickoff at the same venue.