Akwa United secured a crucial 2-1 away victory against Lobi Stars, moving them out of the relegation zone in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The match, held at the Lafia City Stadium, marked Akwa United’s second away win of the season and a double over Lobi Stars, having previously beaten them 1-0 in Eket.
The 2021 champions, desperate for a win to boost their survival chances, started the game in the relegation zone. Their determination was evident early on, and their efforts paid off in the 22nd minute.
Striker Sani Suleiman capitalised on a defensive error, latching onto a loose ball outside the box after a failed clearance of Seyi Oguntayo’s cross. Suleiman’s deflected shot found the back of the net, giving Akwa United a 1-0 lead.
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Suleiman continued to be a thorn in the side of Lobi Stars’ defence, creating several scoring opportunities. However, goalkeeper Daniel Atsaka managed to thwart his attempts to extend the lead. On the defensive end, Akwa United’s backline, led by Heutchou Gerome, Wisdom Ndon, David Philip, and Samuel Ganda, provided robust protection for goalkeeper Badmos Nurudeen, maintaining their 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Akwa United forward Sani Suleiman has 8 goals this season in the NPFL (Photo credit: Nsidibe Akpan/The Athletic Images)
In the second half, coach Baba Ganaru’s tactical adjustments paid off. Midfielder Micheal Egbeta, substituted in for Edidiong Ezekiel, made an immediate impact. Egbeta’s perfectly timed through pass found Suleiman, who rounded the goalkeeper to score his second goal of the game and his eighth of the season.
Lobi Stars responded with a goal from former Akwa United winger Aliyu Abubakar, whose powerful shot from inside the box flew past Nurudeen, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Despite this, Akwa United managed to hold on, withstanding late pressure from the home side. While Ubong Friday and Osoba Kabir missed chances to extend the lead.
The win propelled Akwa United to 15th position on the table, with 40 points from 33 matches. Next, they will shift focus to the President Federation Cup, facing Kebbi United at the Bwari Mini Stadium in Abuja on Wednesday, before returning to league action against Heartland FC on Matchday 34 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
