NWAIWU, EFFIONG NOT SATISFIED WITH ELKANEMI DRAW AWAY FROM HOME

In an abridged league, so much can happen in a flash or a blink of an eye, such has been the motto for caution used in gathering available points as early as possible whether home or away especially as away wins are becoming a familiar outcome in Nigeria Premier Football League matches. A whooping 80% of NPFL teams have recorded an away win this season with over 40% of matchweek results finishing with at least a point or three for the visitors. Most notable for this are unbeaten Bendel Insurance who currently top the Group A.

However with Insurance riding in the skies and basking in their early season euphoria, the Promise Keepers of Akwaunited have shrugged off a torrid start to the season and now sit fourth with 13 points from a possible 21 while recording only two losses in seven games with three wins. Wins, however in which teammates and new signings Moses Effiong and Stephen Nwaiwu feel should have been four instead of three after letting their one goal lead slide against El Kanemi Warriors just a day ago.

United have only lost one of their four away matches this season and were on course for their second away win of the season when in form Cyril Olisema grabbed the opener for the 2021 Champions at the expense of the visitors. However, prior to the fixture Akwa United had lost all of their past four meetings with their hosts, their worst head to head record against any team in the division followed by Enugu Rangers. A win did eventually seem available given the form of the respective teams until Asagna Jumia's 86th minute strike meant the teams would share the spoils.

A draw seen as a good result by most followers although wasn't the opinion the two Akwa United teammates Stephen Nwaiwu and Moses Effiong shared after ninety minutes: "We clearly played better, controlled the game and made them chase the ball, it looked like we were at home, but it's sad we didn't win because we had some chances we couldn't take and now we're paid for it"— Effiong told Orange Football Magazine after the game.

"The way the league is evolving, you should know that anyone can beat anyone anywhere, like Bendel Insurance did to us in the first game. So settling for a draw isn't what we came for." — Nwaiwu added. "We came for a win and everyone played their hearts out here. Akwa United is a big club. When you put on the shirt, you realize you're playing for three points and not for one point".

United's next game comes at home to Gombe United who gave them a tough time at the Nest Of Champions last season until a late penalty by captain Ubong Friday sent the maximum points to the Promise Keepers. However, Gombe United's last visit to the facility wasn't actually against Akwa United but rivals Dakkada and they would boast of good memories as they proudly picked up all three points in the encounter and will hope to do same again.

Its a crunch post Valentine's day fixture to relax and enjoy on Wednesday by 4pm local time as we hope to see Moses Effiong and Stephen Nwaiwu once again demonstrate what it means to play the Akwa United way.