Akwa United ready for positive result in Enugu

Mfon Patrick

Akwa United’s top striker Ndifreke Effiong has declared that he and his team-mates have resolved to put the disappointing goalless draw against Dakkada behind them and will strive hard to ensure they win their Match-day 2 clash at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium against Enugu Rangers this weekend.

Effiong, who netted 11 league goals for the Promise Keepers last season, was second on the NPFL scorers chart before the season was cut short by the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

The striker in an exclusive interview with the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.com said the team is determined and focused on getting a positive result in Enugu this weekend.

“We have since moved on from that disappointing outing on Match-day 1, our attention is now on winning the match against Rangers in Enugu. This is a special season for us and we don’t want to leave anything to chance because we are condemned to win.

“I know it will be a tough and difficult game for both teams because Rangers will also want to win but we are fully prepared and motivated mentally, physically and spiritually for this match,” he said.

Goals by Ndifreke Effiong and Akarandut Orok secured all three points for Akwa United against Rangers in Enugu last season, and the Super Eagles star is optimistic that another victory for the Promise Keepers is possible this weekend at the cathedral.

He said: “We won in Enugu last season and I was among the scorers. This season, we have a pretty solid team that can achieve that same result, so I’m confident that we will have another good outing on Sunday.”

Effiong was a second half substitute and played the second 45 minutes on Match-day 1 in Uyo but he may likely be on the starting line up against Rangers this weekend.

Coach Kennedy Boboye has named a squad of 20 players including Ndifreke Effiong, Mfon Udoh, Akarandut Orok, Kodjovi Dadzie, Sampson Gbadebo, Olisa Ndah and goalkeeper Jean Efala to prosecute the match which is scheduled to kick-off at exactly 4pm at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.