As the Nigeria Professional Football League regular season comes to an end this weekend, group B leaders Akwa United will engage FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the last match of the season in Nnewi.
The Promise Keepers are already through to the season ending Super-Six playoffs after picking up 38 points from 21 matches, comprising 11 victories, 5 draws and 5 defeats. But FC Ifeanyi Ubah who occupy 3rd place on the log will go into this weekend’s game aiming to get at least a point to secure one of the six play-off slots.
The Anambra Warriors boosted their play-off chances last weekend when they beat El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 in Maiduguri and they are the clear favourites to pick the slot in group B behind Akwa United and Kano Pillars who have already booked their places.
But they need to avoid defeat against the Promise Keepers who have won three and draws three of their previous eleven away games this season.
Mfon Udoh’s first half strike earned Akwa United all three points in the reverse fixture in Uyo two months ago. This epic clash will see Brazilian tactician Rafael Everton facing his former side once again, with the hope of doing the double over a team he led to their first major trophy (Federation Cup) in 2016.
Coach Everton has listed three former FC Ifeanyi Ubah players in Akwa United’s eighteen man squad for the trip to Nnewi, they are Alberico Da Silva, Wilson Elu and Ibrahim Akide. Also in the matchday squad for the first time this season are goalkeeper Daniel Emmanson and Left Back Samuel Akpan who may likely make their debut on Sunday.
League leading scorer Mfon Udoh – with ten goals- will be hoping to further increase his tally as he set to claim the league golden boots for the second time in six seasons.