MFON PATRICK
Akwa United’s legend Akarandut Orok says victory over Nasarawa United will be a perfect birthday gift for him as he turns 33 years of age on Wednesday 18th March, 2020.
Orok has been an instant hit for the Promise Keepers since rejoining the club at the start of the season, ten years after emerging league top scorer with the Uyo based side.
With six goals to his name already this season, coach Kennedy Boboye may likely stick with the 33 year old to lead the team’s attack on match-day 25 against 15th placed Nasarawa United at the Lafia Township Stadium.
Bearing his thoughts ahead of the game Orok said “Wednesday 18th of March is my birthday and I’m grateful to God for another opportunity to celebrate His goodness in my life. For the first time in a very long time, I won’t be at home to celebrate my birthday with my wife and kids but I’m happy that I will be celebrating my special day with Akwa United family here in Lafia.
“It will be really special for me to play on my birthday and if I am selected, I will do my very best to ensure we win. Victory over Nasarawa United will be a perfect birthday gift for me and I trust that my team-mates are capable of giving me such a gift on my special day and by the grace of God we shall celebrate more after the match”. Orok to the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.net
Coach Boboye’s men will draw inspiration from their impressive away form comprising three wins, four draws with five loses, as they set sight on their fourth away win of the season in Lafia.
Akwa United arrived Lafia on Monday night after a 1-1 draw with Katsina United on Match-day 25 and much will be expected from top strikers Ndifreke Effiong (11) and Akarandut Orok (6) who have scored 17 of the Promise Keepers 23 goals so far this season.
Both sides played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in Uyo and victory for the 7th-placed Akwa United will further move them up the log as they continue their quest for a maiden NPFL title.