NPFL: AKWA UTD STORM KATSINA IN SEARCH OF POINTS
Mfon Patrick
As the Nigeria Professional Football League enters Match-day 24 this weekend, teams in the league are determined to intensify their search for points both in home and away games but for different reasons. While some will be fighting for points that will help them capture the crown, others will be struggling for points that may help them preserve their top flight status next season.
Among the top contenders for the league title is 6th-placed Akwa United with 33 points from 23 games. They will be aiming to further push their way up the table when they square up against 11th-placed Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium in Katsina on Sunday.
The Promise Keepers who lost their last away game in Umuahia against Abia Warriors, were not in action on match-day 23 as their opponents Enyimba International were involved in the CAF Confederations Cup against Horoya. Akwa United having rested for a whole week will be fresh and strong to put up a serious fight for the available points against a Katsina United side who are without a win in their last two outings in which they conceded four goals.
The two-time Federation Cup Champions will hope to continue their impressive away form since the arrival of Coach Boboye. The Promise Keepers are unbeaten in five of their last seven away games, comprising three wins, two draws and two loses since late December.
In their last seven league matches, the Uyo-based club have recorded two victories, four draws with just one defeat and they will be motivated to go for all three points against their hosts.
NPFL leading scorer Ndifreke Effiong (10 goals) and strike partner Akarandut Orok (6 goals) have scored 16 of Akwa United’s 22 goals so far this season and the duo may likely lead the line for coach Boboye on Sunday as they look to increase their goal tally.
In the previous four meetings between the two sides, including this season’s first leg in Uyo, both teams have one win apiece while two of those encounters ended in stalemates.
A delegation of 20 players and some principal officials made the trip to Katsina and will proceed to Lafia for another away engagement with Nasarawa United on Match-day 24 in mid-week.
