League leaders, Akwa United FC will open a four-point gap on top of the Nigeria Professional Football League table at least for 24 hours if they record victory against bottom-of-the-table side, Adamawa United on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Promise Keepers will kick-start Matchday 28 fixtures with a home tie on Saturday against the Yola-based team whom they defeated in the first installment of this fixture on Match-day 8 at their adopted home ground in Gombe.
The two-time Federation Cup champions are top of the NPFL log with 50 points from 27 matches and are on a 17-match unbeaten run in the league comprising nine victories and eight draws. Coach Boboye’s men will be aiming to complete their first double of the current campaign.
Akwa United will be inspired by their impressive home form and will be marching out of the Nest of Champions’ tunnel with confidence for the 14th time this season, having recorded ten victories and three draws in their 13 previous home games thus far.
With 22 goals scored and just five conceded in 13 home matches, Coach Boboye will be expecting his boys to fire on all cylinders when they face Adamawa United’s defence which has conceded 34 goals in 27 matches.
Both teams have met twice at the top-flight level with Akwa United winning both games. Last season, the Promise Keepers demolished Adamawa United 4-0 at the Nest of Champions with former striker Ndifreke Effiong netting a hat-trick, while Mfon Udoh’s spectacular goal from a direct corner kick secured all three points for Coach Boboye early this season in Gombe.
Promise Keepers’ leading scorer Charles Atshimene has scored eight of his nine goals at the Nest of Champions while iconic striker Mfon Udoh has scored three of his six goals for Akwa United at home as well.
United will extend their unbeaten streak to 18 matches this weekend if they avoid defeat against Adamawa United side who have managed just four wins in 27 matches and have picked just one point in 14 away games.
Victory on Saturday will move Akwa United to 53 points and Coach Boboye has urged his players not to be complacent but to be prepared to go all out for maximum points.
The match will kick off at 4pm and it will be played behind closed doors under strict compliance with Covid-19 guidelines.
