NPFL Title Holders Akwa Utd Begin Defence With 3-0 Win Over Kano Pillars

By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo

NPFL Title’s defender, Akwa United FC began a new season with 3-0 victory over Kano Pillar at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.
Akwa United turned on itd shining light on a score line with Ezekiel Bassey who made good use of the opportunity for Akwa late into first-half injury time.
Akwa United’s supremacy continued in the second half with a goal from Stephen Chukwude, a newly recruited striker from Wikki Tourist, in the 52nd minutes.
Attempts by Kano Pillar to come out from the two goals defeat was stopped byAkwa goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka made an excellent one-on-one save from Kano Pillar’s Aniekeme Asuquo, former Akwa United forward. 
Adeyinka superb save denied the visitors their best and only scoring opportunity in the second half.
Ubong Friday, Akwa’s new captain, elicited applause from the spectators’ box when he converted a 93rd-minute counterattack to make the tally 3-0 against their arch-rival.
Kano Pillars Coach, Ibrahim blamed their defeat on the goalkeeping department’s lack of tactical acumen. Kano Pillar’s choice goalkeeper, Enaholo was replaced by Bassey Akpan after a right leg injury. First choice keeper, Enaholo conceded 1 goal while Bassey had two goals as he managed the post for Kano Pillars.
In the meantime, Kennedy Boboye, the coach of Akwa United, has stated that his team was working hard to sustain the tempo with the impression of defending the title one game at a time.
“I want to give thanks to God. I think it is just the beginning, we still have more work to do not minding the victory today. We don’t want the result of the first game to get into our heads. I promise we’ll be better.
“Today’s result is part of the preparation and we will continue like this,” Coach Boboye said. 
Also, Ubong Friday has assured fans that the team was ready for the task ahead.