NPFL: WE WANT TO MAINTAIN THE WINNING MENTALITY ___UBONG FRIDAY
MFON PATRICK
Following a run of two wins in two games, Akwa United Assistant Captain Ubong Friday has revealed that he and his team-mates are determined to maintain the team’s current winning mentality for the rest of the season.
After a slow start to the season which saw the Promise Keepers pick just seven points from eight games, coupled with the early departure of Coach John Obuh, left the team in doubt. But the arrival of Coach Kennedy Boboye has inspired the team to two wins in two matches and Friday believes that the boys now have their confidence back.
Friday, who has started in three of the Promise Keepers ten matches this season including the last two games as the stand-in captain told the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.net that he and his team-mates have resolved to maintain their winning streak on Sunday when they square up against Lobi Stars on match day 11 at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
“The feeling in our camp is absolutely amazing. Results from our last two games have restored our confidence and pride. We have endured a very difficult start to the season but we are grateful for the dramatic turnaround.
“At the moment, we have put the victories over Rivers United and Dakkada FC behind us and our focus is now on the next game against Lobi Stars on Sunday. This is one game that we have to give our very best to ensure we get the desired result. So, we are ready for this crucial game because we are expecting a tough match.
Friday believes the team’s ambition for the season is intact but however appealed to the fans to keep supporting the team.
” It’s too early to say which team will win the league at the end of the season because we have only played 10 matches and we still have 28 more games to play, so, I can say that our target of winning the NPFL title is still intact. I’m confident that with the support of our fans, we will achieve more this campaign”, Friday noted.
Akwa United in 12th place will engage Lobi Stars who are 2nd on the log. The Makurdi based side are five points above Coach Kennedy Boboye’s team and a win for the Promise keepers will take them into the top half of the league table.
The two sides last met in Lagos on the 10th of June this year during the 2018/2019 season-ending play-off in a game that ended in a goalless draw.
Lobi Stars have never won a league match in Uyo but they have come out tops on four occasions in their previous seven league meetings against Akwa United who won three of those games.
Coach Kennedy Boboye may likely keep faith with the same team that defeated city rivals Dakkada FC in the last match with legendary striker Orok Akarandut and Ndifreke Effiong – who have scored six goals between them-spearheading the attack.
