Akwa United came from a goal down to thrash Akwa Ibom State NYSC Football team 5-1 in a mid-season friendly played at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio international stadium in Uyo on Wednesday afternoon.
Okoro Joshua rose the highest to nod home a corner kick in the 22nd minute of the game to hand NYSC a surprise first half lead. Despite controlling the game and creating lots of good goalscoring chances, the Promise Keepers were unable to break the stubborn NYSC defense as the first half ended 0-1 in favour of the visitors.
On resumption of play, NYSC team continued where they left off and frustrated Akwa United’s efforts, restricting them to shoot from distance.
However, the introduction of Cyril Olisema, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Victor Mbaoma, Michael Ibe and Ubong Friday changed the complexion of the game as the Promise Keepers scored five goals in the last twenty minutes of the match.
Flying Eagles winger Adeshina Gata opened the floodgates of goals when he calmly tucked in Chigozie Chilekwu’s cross to level the scores. Moments later, Gata turned provider and assisted Micheal Ibe who put the NPFL side in front.
As Akwa United increase the tempo of the game, midfielder Cyril Olisema scored two quick goals to put the game beyond NYSC team, before striker Victor Mbaoma added the fifth to secure a resounding victory for Coach Abdu Maikaba’s team
The 2017 Aiteo Cup Champions will next face city rivals and Nigeria National League side Akwa Starlets on Friday by 4pm at the same venue.