WE ARE AIMING FOR A POSITIVE START IN THE NEW YEAR___OROK
MFON PATRICK
Akwa United legendary striker Akarandut Orok had revealed that the team is poised to begin the new year 2020 on a winning note, as they target a fourth straight win this weekend against newly promoted side Jigawa Golden Stars in Kano on Saturday.
Jigawa Golden Stars who are 16th on the log, returned to the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL this season and they have adopted Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano as their home ground. They will host Akwa United in the first game of matchday 12 on Saturday 4th January, 2020 by 4pm.
According to Orok, “the confidence level in the camp of Akwa United is experiencing rapid growth in recent weeks following the arrival of Coach Kennedy Boboye who has steered the team to three consecutive victories against Dakkada FC, Rivers United and Lobi Stars”.
The dramatic turnaround for the Promise Keepers is inspired by the superlative form of legendary striker Akarandut Orok who has scored in three straight games and his contributions late last year has seen the team leap from 16th to 9th on the log.
Orok said he and his team-mates are focusing on making a positive start in the new year.
“After a slow and disastrous start to the season, We are delighted that we have been able to turn things around. The spirit in camp is very high and by the grace of God, we are determined to begin this year with victory against Jigawa Golden Stars.
“Victories in our last three matches have really motivated us and we are physically, mentally and emotionally ready to continue pushing for more wins either at home or away because we need to fight for every available points.
Orok whose 17 goals for Akwa United in a single season remains a record was the league highest goal scorer in 2009/2010 season before his exploits in Tunisia, UAE, and Bahrain where he won the league title with Al Hidd Club, added that the team is renewed and refreshed for the task ahead.
The Uyo based side are unbeaten against all the newly promoted sides they have played so far. They defeated Adamawa United 4-0, beat Dakkada FC 0-1, and played a 1-1 with Warri Wolves on the opening day of the season. The rejuvenated Akwa United will be aiming to replicate the form which has seen them win their last three matches, and a win over Jigawa Golden Stars on Saturday will further move them up the table.
After eleven rounds of matches, the Promise Keepers have recored 4 wins, 4 draws and suffered 3 defeats and are placed 9th on the log. Five different players; Ndifreke Effiong 4, Akarandut Orok 3, Mfon Udoh 2, Paul Obata and Sampson Gbadebo one goal each have scored the team’s eleven goals. Jigawa Golden Stars on the other hand have won 3, drew 1 and lost 6 of their matches.
Two-time Federation Cup winning captain Otobong Effiong, veteran goalkeeper Bassey Akpan, 2016 NPFL winner Ocheme Edoh, dazzling winger Paul Obata and youngster Ubong Essien are among the 18 man Matchday squad for the trip to Kano.
