Players of Nigeria Professional Football League club Akwa United have moved into closed camp to ensure maximum concentration ahead of their first match of the 2018/2019 season against El Kanemi Warriors on Sunday 13th January, 2019 in Uyo.
The team went into closed camp on Monday afternoon and will continue their preparations for the new season with a friendly match (Tuesday) against Enyimba at the training pitch of the Nest of champions.
Chairman of the club Elder Paul Bassey told the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.net that the essence of camping the players few days before the commencement of the new season is to help the team focus on the task ahead.
“The management decided the boys should go into closed camp for at least five days to ensure maximum concentration ahead of the new NPFL season. It is important we move the players away from all forms of distraction so they can pay full attention to the game on Sunday against El Kanemi Warriors.
“We will be taking part in an abridged league and we know that it is not going to be easy because we will be playing three matches in a week, so it is pertinent for us to start well and then keep the momentum throughout the season.
“My message to the players is for them to remain professionally disciplined and focused on the up coming matches starting with the first match at home against El Kanemi Warriors on Sunday. We have invested alot in our pre-season programmes and we believe that congregating the players in camp few days to the kickoff of the new league season will help them build better understanding and relationship with each other while paying extra attention to up coming matches.”
The Promise Keepers recently signed 12 new players to help strengthen the team as they hope to stage a serious title challenge in the 2018/2019 NPFL season