Akwa United slipped from second position to third in Group A of the 2022-23 Nigeria Premier Football League table after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Plateau United in Jos on Matchday 14.
Mustapha Ibrahim’s 36th minute penalty secured all three points for the 2017 champions and condemned the 2021 champions to only their third defeat in 14 games this season.
Head coach Ayodeji Ayeni attributed his team’s slim defeat to hard luck but praised his players for their determination and fighting spirit during the game.
“The outcome of this match is not what we wanted, we went into the game with the mindset of winning but luck wasn’t on our side and we conceded that penalty which gave Plateau United the win.
“I’m impressed with the way we approach the game, especially in the second half. It was a tough game no doubt, we had our chances but couldn’t make good use of them.
” It’s a match we should have gotten at least a point from but it didn’t happen, so we have to go back home and plan again because the remaining four games are crucial and we have to give our very best to ensure we meet our set target at the end of the season”.
The result in Jos means that Akwa United slipped to third on 23 points from 14 games while Enyimba moved up to second on 24 points after picking a vital away win against Kwara United.
Akwa United will next engage Kwara United on Matchday 15 in Uyo on Sunday.