Nya, Friday down Starlets in friendly

Nigeria Professional Football League side Akwa United continued their dominance over local rivals Akwa Starlets of the Nigeria National League with a comfortable 2-0 victory in a mid-season friendly on Friday morning at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio international stadium in Uyo.

The Promise Keepers who have not lost to Akwa Starlets in their last seven meetings took the lead in the 14th minute through defender Denis Nya.

The defender lashed on to Victor Mbaoma’s flick on from Cyril Olisema’s corner to put the NPFL side in front after a nervy start to the game.

Coach Abdu Maikaba’s men doubled their advantage in some style eight minutes before half time from Ubong Friday’s sumptuous freekick following a foul on Victor Mbaoma by Akwa Starlets defender.

The match lived up to its media hype as both teams approached the game with all amount of derby sentiments.

Two players, Franklyn Ekong and Edem Akakatang who are on loan from Akwa United to Akwa Starlets came up against their parent club and former Promise Keeper’s striker and one time national FA Cup highest goal scorer Utibe Achibong also had a chance against his former team but they met a solid and more determined Akwa United side who were not ready to compromise.

The match which was largely dominated by the 2017 Aiteo Cup Champions only left Starlets players frustrated and disappointed. However, both teams ended the game with ten men having had a player sent off in the second half.

The friendly game was scheduled to engage both teams in preparation for the resumption of the second stanza of football league season in the country.

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