GLO NPFL 2013/2014 WEEK 22 MATCH REPORT

Akwa United FC Logo

Nasarawa United FC Logo

NASARAWA UNITED EARN DRAW AT AKWA
Nasarawa United were at their best when they faced Akwa United on Sunday. The Solid Miners showed great determination throughout the game and in the end, they got a point for their effort.
On a day full of sunshine, Akwa failed to shine, allowing their opponents to control the game. They looked poor right from the start and were lucky not to concede inside the first 30 seconds of the game.
There were questions raised over the decision of Coach Patrick Udoh to start the game with four new signings. Pundits may go further to question the quality of the new signings.
The truth is, the Akwa faithful had yearned for new signings to bolster the Uyo side. But after what they saw on Sunday, many may wish Akwa hadn’t done any transfer business during the last transfer window. The new signings failed to impress.
Goalkeeper Victor Obiowo spilled a 30 second effort from John Huan but Babangida Shaibu failed to make the most of the rebound. It didn’t take long before Baba Ganaru’s side went close again. It was Shaibu, who latched onto a loose ball but, once again, squandered his chance.
Lack of inspiration forced Udoh to make early changes- Godspower Aniefiok replacing new boy Yusuf Adio in first half stoppage time and Kufre Ebong coming on for another new signing, Collins Koute, shortly after the restart.
Nasarawa continued to dominate possession. A Yaro Bature backheel allowed Shaibu to send a cross into the hosts’ box. It looked like Obiowo was going to be threatened again but somehow Ugochukwu Leonard, who scored twice against FC Taraba, failed to connect with the cross.
It took Akwa 45 minutes to get a shot on target. New recruit Kabiri Waziri, who was struggling, contrived to get past a couple of white shirts before hitting the ball with the side of his boot. It took a brilliant save from goalkeeper Lawrence John to keep the ball from going in. It was a stunning solo effort from the forward, and it attracted some praises from the stands.
The introduction of Aniefiok and Ebong did bring some improvement into Akwa, but that didn’t stop Nasarawa from moving the ball around and occasionally testing Obiowo.
Olayinka Onaolapo latched onto a deflected freekick and was in a situation to make an attempt. He disappointed. The angle was tight but we’ve seen many players squeeze in a shot from such positions.
Moments later, a quick interchange of passes led to a Shaibu attempt, which Emmanuel Ariwa deflected wide for a corner.
Akwa soon enjoyed moments of domination but saw Ezekiel Bassey waste two glorious chances- the second from 12 yards after Ebong flicked header off Namso Edo freekick, which he volleyed wide.
The hosts’ control of the last minutes was, however, interrupted by an Igado Andrew long range effort, which forced Obiowo into a stunning save.
Akwa United
Starting Lineup:
21 Victor Obiowo GK
6 Namso Edo
23 Ubong Francis
32 John Aguda
17 Emmanuel Ariwa
26 Valentine Iwuorie
9 Kabiri Waziri
20 Yusuf Adio
31 Collins Kuote
28 Ini Akpan
7 Ezekiel Bassey
Substitutes:
30 Olufemi Kayode GK
5 Keke Uchenna
12 Abasiama Michael
19 Kufre Ebong
24 Ukeme Davies
25 Godspower Aniefiok
Coach: Patrick Udoh
Nasarawa United
Starting Lineup:
35 Lawrence John GK
2 Olayinka Onaolapo
3 Emmanuel Makama
29 Igado Andrew
5 Seun Sogbeso
20 Solomon Babatunde
21 John Huan
8 Esosa Igbinoba
32 Babangida Shaibu
19 Ugochukwu Leonard
26 Yaro Bature
Substitutes:
1 Paul Danjuma GK
4 Ibrahim Ibrahim
10 Ishaiya Anyu
17 Manga Mohammed
18 Amos James
23 Abubakar Sambo
28 Saleem Suleiman
Coach: Baba Ganaru

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