Nigeria Professional Football League leaders Akwa United are aiming to continue their chase for a maiden NPFL title when they go head- to-head with 2017 champions, Plateau United at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday.
The Promise Keepers are four points clear at the top of the log with 56 points from 30 games, following their 2-1 win over second-placed Nasarawa United on match-day 30 in Uyo on Thursday.
With 15 victories, 11 draws and just four loses in 30 matches, the two-time Federation Cup Champions who have set a new club and NPFL record of going 18 games without a defeat in the course of this season are poised to continue their impressive campaign on Sunday against Plateau United, a side they defeated 1-0 in Uyo during the first installment of this tie.
Speaking with the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.com, central defender Sampson Gbadebo revealed that he and his teammates are mentally prepared for this weekend’s clash in Jos.
“This season is very interesting and encouraging for us at Akwa United, judging from how far we have come. So far, 30 matches have been played and we have eight more games before the end of the season. We have put in a lot of work to get to where we are at the moment and we want to keep that momentum till the end of the season.
“The remaining matches are of huge significance and we don’t have to leave anything to chance at this point of the season. We need maximum concentration, dedication and focus from everyone as we approach the remaining matches. At the moment, we are looking forward to our match against Plateau United on Sunday with great expectation.
“The atmosphere in and around our team is very positive and it gives us the much needed confidence to forge ahead. The truth is that we are going to Jos to fight for all three points because we need all the points we can get. We know that it won’t be easy but we are encouraged, physically and mentally to go all out for victory because that is the only way we can achieve our primary target this season”.
The centre-back who has played 26 of his team’s 30 matches this season has provided two assists and was named Akwa United’s best defender after the first stanza of this current campaign.
The Promise Keepers have one of the best away records in the league this season, having picked up three wins, eight draws and suffered just four loses in their 15 away ties thus far and Gbadebo believes that victory is possible on Sunday.
Coach Kennedy Boboye has selected his best legs for the clash against his former side in which he won the NPFL title with in 2017.
The game is scheduled to kick-off at 4pm behind closed doors and will be played with strict compliance to all Covid-19 guidelines.
