Substitute Aniefiok Godspower scored an Injury-time header to snatch a morale boasting victory for Akwa United as they beat Go Round FC 1-0 to move a step closer to securing one of the play-off spots in Group B with four matches before the end of the season.
The Promise Keepers produced an amazing display at the Krisdera Hotel Stadium in Omoku and left it late to steady the ship as Ndifreke Effiong raced down the left flank to set-up Aniefiok Godspower who flick his header over onrushing goalkeeper Godwin Dede to seal his team’s tenth win of the season.
The win which was the Promise Keepers’ second over Go Round this season condemned Go Round to their first ever home defeat in the Nigeria Professional Football League. The victory move the Promise Keepers to 34 points from 18 games and help them open a four points gap on top of the NPFL Group B log.
Coach Rafael Everton made just one change to the team that defeated Nasarawa United last time out. Goalkeeper Jean Efala was rested for Ojo Olorunleke who played his third match of the season and the former Youth international put up a Man-of-the-Match performance after making four breathtaking saves to help his side secure their third away win of the season.
Both sides showed great determination and created some good scoring chances but their touches in the final third were not just good enough. Go Round had more opportunities in the second half to score but they were denied by some quality goalkeeping by Ojo Olorunleke who was outstanding throughout the game.
With the game looking likely to end in stalemate, the hosts desperately pushed forward in numbers in search of a goal, but they were exposed at the back.
A swift counter attack by the league leaders released Ndifreke Effiong on the left flank and he intelligently set up Aniefiok Godspower who smartly outran two of his markers to flick his header over Godwin Dede into an empty net in stoppage time to secure all three points for Akwa United.
Reacting to his team’s victory Coach Rafael Everton heaped praises on his players and attributed the win to hard work. “We are very happy with the outcome of this game. It’s our third away win and it has given us the confidence we needed going into the last four games of the season.
“We have been working really hard and the boys are determined to succeed. They played according to my instructions and that is how we got the job done in a grand style. We are grateful to God for this wonderful result”.
Akwa United will next battle relegation threatened Yobe Dersert Stars in Uyo on Sunday in one of Matchday 19 fixtures while Go Round will make a long trip to Kano for a date with Kano Pillars.
