Nigeria Football

NPFL: ​Akwa Utd picks away point in Nnewi, remain top of the log

Akwa United maintained their leadership position on top of the Nigeria Professional Football League table after they were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi on Wednesday.

Cyril Olisema put the Promise Keepers ahead  when he calmly beat two defenders  before slotting the ball beyond Drissa Bamba in the 12th minute.

Patrick Ikeokwu levelled the scores for his side early into the second half from Alaekwe Chijioke’s pass.
The outcome of the match ensure Akwa united remain top of the log with 13 points from 6 matches one point above Plateau United who were beaten 2-0 by Kano Pillars on Matchday 6.
Coach Abdu Maikaba made one change to the team that humbled Kwara United in Uyo on Matchday 5. Vice Captain Ariwachukwu Emmanuel was recalled to the starting line up while Godspower Igudia was dropped to the bench. 
The Promise Keepers arrived Nnewi on the back of an away win in their last away encounter in Lokoja against Niger Tornadoes. 
After an explosive opening moments to the game, Promise Keepers went ahead in the 12th minute.
Michael Ibe and Aniekeme Asuquo linked up brilliantly and picked out Cyril Olisema who calmly beat two of Ifeanyi Ubah’s defenders before slotting the ball beyond Drissa Bamba.
The goal was Akwa United’s first goal against Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi.
Motivated by the goal, the Promise Keepers stamped their authority in the game and should have doubled their lead moments later but Ubong Friday’s header narrowly missed the target.
Their dominant display put their host under intense pressure. But the Uyo based side missed two clear cut chances to extend their lead. Ubong Friday’s header from Etim’s free kick and Aniekeme’s long range shot went wide as the first half ended in their favour.
The game sparked into life in the second half with the home team pushing their visitors back and got their equalizer two minutes after the restart through Patrick Ikeokwu who benefitted from Alaekwe Chijioke’s through ball to score.
Akwa united recovered quickly after conceding the goal and continued to press for the winner.
Victor Mbaoma, Cyril Olisema and Adeshina Gata had the chance to seal the win for their team but their efforts at goal lacked the venom to trouble Bamba in Ifeanyi Ubah’s goal.
The host had series of Set pieces in the closing stages of the game but they were denied by the resolute defending of Ariwachukwu and Denis who were in their elements throughout the game. 
Goalkeepers Ojo Olorunleke and Drissa Bamba made some breathtaking saves to keep their teams in the game.
The draw was Akwa United’s 4th point on the road this season and will next face Wikki Tourists of Bauchi on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Matchday 7.

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