In the context of preparations for the new football season, 2021 Nigeria Professional Football League champions Akwa United have lined up two mouthwatering pre-season friendly games against Enyimba International and Enugu Rangers this weekend.
The Promise Keepers will confront the People’s Elephant at the Enyimba stadium in Aba on Friday October 14 by three O’clock in the afternoon before engaging Enugu Rangers on Sunday October 16 at the new 18,000 sitting capacity stadium in Eket by four O’clock in the afternoon.
Coach Ayodeji Ayeni’s team had on September 30 defeated Katsina United 2-1 in their first grade A friendly at the new Eket Stadium.
The coach will use the friendly matches against two of the most successful football clubs in South Eastern Nigeria to assess the performances of his playing personnel, especially new signings ahead of the upcoming season.
Left-back James Ajako who has been invited to the national U-23 camp and right-back Etim Mathew who is down with illness will not be available for selection for the games. However, coach Ayeni has capable replacements in those positions such as David Philip, Evans Ogbonda, Victor Ifiok and Taiye Muritala to get the job done.