Akwa United secured their eighth win of the NPFL season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars in a matchday 29 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday.
The match started as a tense affair, with both teams battling to a goalless first half. Shooting Stars' goalkeeper, Mustapha Lawal, put in a busy shift to keep Akwa United's attackers at bay. However, the Oluyole Warriors' resistance crumbled in the second half as Akwa United struck twice within six minutes.
Endurance Edebiri broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a loose ball inside the box after Seyi Oguntayo's delivery fell kindly to him. It was Edebiri’s fourth goal of the season. Moments later, Uche Sebastien doubled the lead with a brilliant solo effort, slotting the ball through the legs of Lawal after receiving a precise pass from Osoba Kabir.
The victory extends Akwa United’s unbeaten run to three matches, though they remain 19th on the log with 31 points from 29 matches. Meanwhile, the defeat pushed Shooting Stars down to sixth position with 43 points from 29 games, denting their continental qualification hopes.
Akwa United's assistant coach, Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, praised his players' improved performance, emphasizing their determination to fight for points in the remaining nine fixtures of the season.
Up next, Akwa United will face NNL side Kebbi United in the President Federation Cup Round of 64 at Bwari Mini Stadium, Abuja, on Wednesday. Shooting Stars will also head to Abuja for their own Federation Cup clash against Zamfara United before hosting Niger Tornadoes in a crucial NPFL fixture.
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