Despite playing furious attacking football and practically dominating the first half of the game on NPFL Match Day 3 in Uyo on Wednesday, Gombe United were shocked by Akwa United’s superior tactical play via Ubong Friday’s penalty kick.
The home squad just needed an 88th-minute goal to underline their superiority over the visitors and the newly-promoted side, which had shown great pace tactics under coach Aliyu Zubairu.
The visitors, with 90 per cent of players used in the Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign, put a lot of pressure on Akwa United, especially on the left-back in the first 35 minutes and most of the game which attracted both anger and applause from Akwa United fans.
Akwa United Coach, Kennedy Boboye had to make early substitutions to accommodate exhaustion, which was attributed to the 14-hour drive from Ibadan to Uyo last Monday evening.
Despite a 1-0 setback against Akwa United at the end of 90 minutes, Coach Aliyu stated he is pleased with his players and believes the club has to stabilize as newbies to the league as well as pray for luck.
For Aliyu, a “better side lost” the Wednesday game at Nest of Champions in Uyo “without mincing words”.
Speaking at the post-match briefing, Akwa United assistant coach, Abasiakan Windy assured the NPFL defending champions are in the season with a new focus and early determination to stay atop the Nigerian Professional Football League.
“When you are at the top, you are the target. So we don’t want to lose any point at home this time around. This is what we have prepared for and thank God it is paying off for us.” Windy said.
