Akwa United FC will face Blessed Stars Academy in a friendly match today, Friday, September 19, 2024, at 4 PM, as part of a strategic move to maintain fitness and match sharpness. The game is set to take place at the Practice Pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Initially, Akwa United were scheduled to play Enyimba FC in their NPFL Matchday 2 fixture this Sunday. However, the game was postponed due to Enyimba’s involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they are set to face Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso at the same venue on September 22.
Instead of taking a break, Coach Baba Ganaru and his technical staff saw the need to keep the players active by organizing a friendly against Blessed Stars Academy. The decision to play the academy side is driven by the desire to maintain the momentum built during pre-season and Akwa United’s first league outing.
Why Face Blessed Stars Academy?
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Akwa United’s management understands the importance of consistent match practice, especially early in the season. Facing Blessed Stars Academy provides a competitive platform to test tactics, rotate players, and keep the squad in peak condition, ensuring they are ready for future NPFL clashes.
Blessed Stars Academy, coached by Ubong Vincent, has earned a reputation for producing young, talented footballers and delivering impressive performances. For Akwa United, this friendly offers an opportunity to assess their own squad’s depth while helping the academy players gain valuable experience against a top-tier club.
As Akwa United prepare for a rigorous NPFL campaign, the friendly match allows them to avoid losing momentum due to the postponed league fixture. Blessed Stars, in turn, will relish the challenge of facing the 2021 NPFL champions as they gear up for upcoming scouting tournaments both within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
The encounter is expected to be a highly beneficial one for both teams, with Akwa United aiming to stay sharp and Blessed Stars looking to showcase their promising talents.
