Umar Abdullahi, the interim coach of Akwa United, expressed his belief that his team deserved a better outcome from their match against Rangers during the 20th round of the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL. The encounter, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, ended in a 1-0 defeat for The Promise Keepers, with Kazeem Ogunleye's goal in the 48th minute being the decisive factor.

Despite the setback, Abdullahi praised his team's effort and commitment. Unfortunately, we didn't get anything out of this match. The boys gave their all, and their level of commitment and determination was encouraging, he shared with the club's media team. He acknowledged the challenge posed by the Rangers, noting his team's ability to create scoring opportunities, even though they were unable to convert them into goals, including a missed penalty that could have secured them a point.

Abdullahi remains optimistic about the team's attacking capabilities and is confident of making the fans proud in future matches. Even though we didn’t score in Enugu, I’m happy with the quality of players in the team, especially in the attacking department. We have taken lots of positives from this match, he stated.

Akwa United's struggle for an away win continues, with the team not securing a victory in 10 away matches this season. They currently sit in 16th place on the league table, having accumulated 21 points from 20 games. The team looks forward to their next challenge against Bayelsa United at the Eket Township Stadium, hoping to turn their fortunes around.

Editorial

In the realm of football, the line between victory and defeat is often defined by moments that capture the essence of the sport's unpredictability and drama. Akwa United's recent encounter with Rangers in the NPFL serves as a poignant reminder of this reality. Under the guidance of caretaker coach Umar Abdullahi, The Promise Keepers showcased a performance that, despite ending in defeat, highlighted the team's resilience and potential.

The loss, marked by a solitary goal and a missed penalty, underscores the harsh lessons of football that effort and dominance do not always translate to success. Yet, it's in these moments of adversity that the true spirit of a team is tested and revealed. Abdullahi's reflections post match not only shed light on the immediate feelings of disappointment but also on a forward looking optimism that is essential for any team facing challenges.

The narrative of Akwa United this season is one of a team in transition, grappling with the complexities of the NPFL and the quest for consistency. Their current position in the league, coupled with the absence of an away win, might seem disheartening. However, it's the underlying belief in the team's capabilities and the commitment to improvement that resonate with fans and onlookers alike.

As Akwa United prepares for their upcoming fixture against Bayelsa United, the emphasis on learning from past matches and harnessing the quality within the squad is paramount. Football, in its essence, is about the journey as much as it is about the outcome. For Akwa United, this journey is filled with opportunities for redemption, growth, and ultimately, triumph.

The resilience displayed by the team, under the stewardship of Abdullahi, serves as a beacon of hope for the matches ahead. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, where every game is a chance to rewrite the script. As fans and supporters of the beautiful game, we stand in solidarity with Akwa United, eager to witness the unfolding of their season and the realization of their potential.

Did You Know?

• The Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL was founded in 1972 and has evolved into one of the most competitive leagues in African football.


• The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, named after Nigeria's first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, is one of the historic football venues in Nigeria, hosting numerous memorable matches.


• Akwa United Football Club was established in 1996 and has since become a prominent name in Nigerian football, winning the NPFL title in the 2014-2015 season.


• The concept of a caretaker coach, such as Umar Abdullahi at Akwa United, is common in football, allowing clubs to navigate transitional periods or search for a permanent managerial appointment.


• The city of Uyo, home to Akwa United, boasts the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, known for its ultramodern facilities and often referred to as the Nest of Champions.