UCHE COLLINS GOAL SENDS AKWA UNITED THROUGH TO THE SEMI FINALS

Akwa United have become the first team to qualify for the semi finals of the ongoing Naija Super 8 2023 exhibition tournament in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Promise Keepers took to the pitch for their second group game in three days knowing that a win against 2022 Nigerian Premier Football League champions Rivers United would send them through to the next round and further solidify their new manager's status as the rightful man to lead the club in the future after the exit of Ayodeji Ayeni.

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The Uyo based side headed into the fixture without a key figure in the name of James Ajako who missed the encounter after picking up a knock building up to the showdown. Ajako was replaced by David Philip in the line up who made his first start for the club since last year.

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Both teams shared the spoils at half time heading into the locker room until Uche Collins struck in the 55th minute to put Akwa United in front at the expense of their south south rivals. Akwa United henceforth stayed resolute in defense especially after the substitution of goalscorer Uche Collins two minutes after scoring.

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The defensive thickness proved unbreakable till the end of ninety minutes as Akwa United saw off Rivers United and became the first team to punch a ticket into the final four despite being the first wildcard team in the main tournament. The credit will agurably go to match winner Uche Collins who had earlier promised a better performance after firing blank in the opening game.

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"I must say I'm extremely happy scoring the winning goal and the only goal in the game today. I'd link to thank God and all my amazing teammates for making the goal relevant after I got substituted with the brave defensive work, they've really been supportive of and on the pitch" — Uche Collins said in his post match interview.

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Collins now takes his goal tally in his first year with the club to six goals and one assist in all competitions and with expectedly be sidelined when Fatai Osho's men take on Lobi Stars on Wednesday in the last group game which isn't going to be deemed compulsory following the after effects on Mondays result against Rivers United.

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