Following two blockbuster friendly games against Enyimba International and Enugu Rangers in the space of three days, Head Coach of Akwa United Ayodeji Ayeni has revealed that there is still work to be done to get his team in top shape for next football season.
The Promise Keepers narrowly lost 2-1 to Enyimba on Friday in Aba. Two second half goals by Chigozie Obasi and Emeka Obioma gave the hosts a two nil lead. Uche Collin’s consolation goal was not enough for the 2021 NPFL champions to get anything out of the game.
Akwa United bounced back in style with a dominant display at the Eket Stadium on Sunday with a resounding 2-0 victory over Enugu Rangers with goals from Salomon Chigoziem and Denis Nya.
Coach Ayeni in an exclusive interview with the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.com said his target is to build a formidable squad for next football season.
“After the two big games we have played against Enyimba and Rangers, I can say that there is still work to be done in the team.
“Before the game against Enyimba and Rangers, we played some non-league sides and won with wide margins. We stepped up our preparations with a grade A friendly against Katsina United in which we won. But the two games in Aba and Eket have given us another opportunity to really test our strength against top NPFL teams.
“Judging from our performances in the two games, it’s clear that there are some areas we need to improve and we will continue to work to ensure we have perfect understanding between the players so we can have a strong squad that can challenge for honours next football season”.
Akwa United will continue their pre-season training programme in Uyo and may play another grade A friendly game before the end of this week.