In a gripping encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Sunday, Akwa United secured third place in the 2024 Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament by defeating Kwara United 4-2 on penalties. This result capped off a competitive tournament that showcased the talents of Nigeria's top football teams.
The third-place playoff match, contested between the two teams who had finished second in their respective groups, ended in a goalless draw after the regular 90 minutes. The deadlock necessitated a penalty shootout to determine the final standings. Akwa United demonstrated composure and precision from the spot, converting all four of their penalty kicks. In contrast, Kwara United struggled under pressure. Their second penalty was expertly saved by Akwa United’s goalkeeper, Seidu Mutawakilu, and their fourth attempt was missed, sailing over the bar. This ensured that Akwa United emerged victorious and clinched the third position in the tournament.
Head Coach Muhammed Baba Ganaru of Akwa United expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. He commended the players for their resilience and emphasized that the technical team had met their objectives for participating in the pre-season competition. Coach Ganaru also acknowledged areas for improvement and assured that these would be addressed before the start of the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
In the tournament's final, hosts Bayelsa United claimed the championship in a thrilling 7-6 penalty shootout win over Bendel Insurance. After a tightly contested match that ended 1-1 in regulation time, Bayelsa United's victory in the shootout highlighted their strength and determination, securing them the title in front of a home crowd.
The Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament thus provided a platform for teams to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming league season, and the performances in the final rounds underscored the high level of competition and skill within Nigerian football.
0 Comments