Dakkada FC earn first derby win over Akwa United to boost survival chances

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Dakkada FC came from behind to earned their first ever victory over neighbours Akwa United in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, June 19, 2022 to boost their hopes of survival in the top flight.

Dakkada found themselves in 19th position on the league table before the Ibom derby at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, needing three points against a side they’ve never taken three points from in their previous five meetings since they gained promotion in 2019.

Despite losing to the reigning NPFL champions on Friday in the Akwa Ibom State FA Cup finals, Dakkada FC looked the better side in the opening half hour, but were delt a blow when Samuel Amadi gave the Promise Keepers the lead in the 39th minute with a left footed finish.

The lead last just three minutes before Etido Dan scored the equalizer in the 42nd minute to level things up at the break.

Dakkada went ahead in the 54th minute through captain Aniekan Ekpe’s emphatic finish inside the box before Ezekiel Edidiong put the game beyond Akwa United in the 87th minute to secure his side a much needed three points.

The win has taken Dakkada FC to 17th on the table with 40 points, leveled with Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes in 16th and 15th respectively.

Coach Danlami Umar in his post reaction says his side know exactly what to do to escape relegation.

“We know there’s no other way than to put in the hardwork to see what can come out of it and thankfully enough, we have been getting the results gradually.

“We approached it as any other league match, we took it serious but we knew what is at stake, we knew we cannot drop any point and that we have to give our all, put in our energy and commitment to get victory and we thank God we carried the day.

Dakkada FC will be on the road to face Kano Pillars in resheduled fixture on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the Sani Abacha Stadium before travelling to Markurdi to take on Lobi Stars at the Aper Aku Stadium on Sunday.

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