Akwa United Football Club will kick off a campaign for their second Nigeria Premier Football League title on Monday with an away game against Lobi Stars of Makrudi in their adopted home ground at the Lafia City stadium, Nasarawa State.
The match which was originally scheduled for Saturday 7 September was rescheduled by the league organizers for Monday to allow clubs to show solidarity to the senior national team – the Super Eagles in an AFCON qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo.
The Promise Keepers arrived at Lafia Saturday evening and are in good shape for their opening day fixture against Lobi Stars – a team they defeated home and away last season.
Head coach of Akwa United Muhammed Baba Ganaru who joined the Uyo based club towards the end of last season and steered the club to safety on the last day, has since fortified his team with top quality players who were recently unveiled by the club.
Eleven of the new signings; goalkeeper Seidu Mutawakilu, defenders Charles Etim, Ubong Williams, Endurance Ebedebiri, Eric Oguocha, midfielders Chiamaka Madu, Samuel Mathew, Wisdom Stephen, forwards Paul Acquah, Mare Abson and Chijioke Alaekwe have been selected along with goalkeeper Hakeem Otuyiga, Emmanuel James, Wisdom Ndon, Ubong Essien, Seyi Oguntayo, Edidiong Ezekiel and Osoba Kabir for the clash on Monday.
As part of preparations for the new season, the 2021 champions took part in the Governor Douye Diri pre-season football tournament in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State where they finished in third place, before being held to a goalless draw by Enyimba International in their last warm-up game in Uyo.
Coach Baba Ganaru told the club’s website www.akwaunitedfc.com that his target is to ensure his team start the new season on a positive footing, adding that the players at his disposal have the needed quality and capability to win the league this season.
“It is important that we start on a positive footing and I know that we have done enough to put the boys in proper shape for the task ahead.
“We are back in Lafia with good memories of our result here last season and we hope to replicate that on Monday.
“Our major focus is to take it one game at a time this season and that is why we are concentrating on Monday’s match knowing that victory will serve as a motivation for us throughout the season. We know that Lobi Stars are a tough team but we are fully prepared for this match and we will do our best to make the most of our chances”.
Both Lobi Stars and Akwa United have met 21 times in all competitions with the Promise Keepers enjoying the head-to-head record of 11 victories to Lobi Stars 9 wins with only one draw.
The game which will be the last fixture on Matchday 1 is scheduled to kickoff at Four O’clock in the afternoon (4:00pm) and there will be live text commentary on all Akwa United social media platforms.