PHILIPS | COLLINS EAGER TO MAKE AMENDS FOR OPENING DAY LOSS

David Phillip started his first Nigerian Premier Football League game for Akwa United since following exit of Orange Football Magazine Nigerian defender of the season James Ajako to FUS Rabat in the Botola Pro of Morocco and his last start since Akwa United's 1-0 loss to Plateau United on 16th April 2023 in the Nigerian Premier Football League.

The 26 year old however unfortunately would prefer not to remember the 5-3 loss that followed his first appearance following a remarkable preseason. 

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In his debut league match since joining Akwa United, Coach Fatai Osho aimed to make a strong start. Striker Hadi Mohammed provided the Promise Keepers with a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute, but Alex Jerry's goal in the 27th minute equalized the score.

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The 2021 champions reclaimed their lead just before halftime when Oguntayo Seyi's volley found the net after a deflection. However, the home team fought back, and Robert Mizo leveled the score just before halftime.

After the break, both teams pushed forward, creating scoring opportunities, but their efforts were either saved by the goalkeepers or missed.

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Uche Collins on the other hand however was just recovering from a little knee injury had to come from the bench in the game during the second half.

55'

Double substitution

Etim Mathew and Uche Collins replaced Samuel Ganda and Edidiong Ezekiel

Bayelsa Utd 2-2 Akwa Utd#BayAkw#NPFL24

— Akwa United FC (@AkwaUnited_fc) September 30, 2023

Although he finished at the clubs top scoring striker last season, he could not more either than just provide two shots on target and win 3 duels and creating four chances after coming on in the 55th minute of the game.

57'

Uche Collins dropped a good pass for Mubarak Said out side the box, the winger go past two defenders before shooting at goal but his effort narrowly missed the target

Bayelsa Utd 2-2 Akwa Utd#BayAkw#NPFL24

— Akwa United FC (@AkwaUnited_fc) September 30, 2023

With fifteen minutes remaining in the game, midfielder Oguntayo Seyi put the Promise Keepers ahead for the third time with a powerful shot into the top left corner of the net. The home team equalized once more in the 82nd minute when striker Robert Mizo intercepted a back pass from Etim Mathew. He then secured the lead for Bayelsa United by heading home a corner kick three minutes from time.

In a swift counter-attack, substitute Emmanuel Nneoyi sealed the comeback win for coach Teibowei Diepreye's team.

The experienced defender will hope to rediscover the same form he had when he helped Akwa United win their first and only ever NPFL title in 27 years of existence back in 2021 but till then this result unfortunately keeps Akwa United bottom of the NPFL after just a game played via conceding the most number of goals on the match week.

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Fatai Osho's men will aim to right their wrongs in their match week two fixture against high flying, two years in existence, debut game winning Sporting Lagos at the Nest Of Champions in Uyo on Sunday, October 8, 2023, in a redemption game which yet might not be easy as they take on the same side who three months ago knocked them out of the Naija Super 8 in the semi finals to ahead and win it in Lagos.

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