With a clean sheet and a powerful statement to would-be challengers, Akwa United, the incumbent NPFL Season Champions, defeated Kano Pillars 3-0 on Sunday at the Nest of Champions, Uyo on match Day 1 of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/22 season.
Ezekiel Bassey opened scoring for Akwa late in first-half injury time after a goalless 45 minutes.
The dominance of Akwa United continued in the second half, with a goal in the 52nd minute from Stephen Chukwude, a recently recruited striker from Wikki Tourist.
As Ibrahim Musa’s squad attempted to recover from a 2-0 deficit, Akwa United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka made an outstanding one-on-one safe from Kano Pillar’s Aniekeme Asuquo, a former Akwa United striker. Adeyinka’s spectacular save denied the visitors their best and only scoring opportunity.
Ubong Friday, Akwa’s new captain, drew rapturous cheers from the crowd when he converted a 93rd-minute counter-attack to put the team 3-0 ahead of arch-rival, Kano Pillars
Kano Pillars coach, Ibrahim blamed their bad performance on the goalkeeping department’s lack of tactical acumen.
Kano Pillar’s choice goalkeeper, Enaholo, was replaced by Bassey Akpan after a right leg injury. The first choice keeper, Enaholo conceded one goal while the replacement, Bassey, conceded two.
In the meantime, Kennedy Boboye, the coach of Akwa United, said his team was working hard to sustain the tempo with the intention of defending the title one game at a time.
“I want to give thanks to God. I think it is just the beginning, we still have more work to do not minding the victory today. We don’t want the result of the first game to get into our heads. I promise we’ll be better.
“Today’s result is part of the preparation and we will continue like this.”
Also, Ubong Friday assured fans that the team was ready for the task ahead.
