NPFL: AKWA UTD PLOT TO SPOIL 3SC' XMAS CELEBRATION ON BOXING DAY

|By Oluseyi Adedire|

Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews | FB: Oyo Sports Update 

Shooting Stars 🆚 Akwa United

Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba Ibadan

Kick off: 4:00pm

Date: December 26, 2021 (Boxing day)

As Shooting Stars prepare to execute thier very first home match at Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after four years at the Nigeria National League (NNL) this weekend. Football lovers, fans and supporters are not only in haste but also eager to see their darling club show thier qualities and put smiles on their faces at the refurbished Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The matchday two encounter is not going to be a match as usual but against the defending champion, Akwa United, that just dismantled Kano Pillars with three unreplied goals at Uyo.

However, the match, according to the Nigeria Professional Football League is scheduled to hold on Boxing day - Sunday, December 26 - after Christmas. But, the Christmas celebration and boxing day gift could be ruined if words from Akwa United Media Manager, Mfon Patrick are anything to go by.

Speaking on Sports Castle, a radio program packed by Aroka Media on Star FM. Patrick Mfon said their first league match victory over Kano Pillars had shown how a true champion should start new season and also their intention to defend the title.

"As the defending champion and being the first match, we needed that boost and to defend our title. Before that match, Pillars have never picked a point in Uyo, and before that match, we met at the presidential cup in Abuja which ended 1-1, we had full knowledge of the team we wanted to play and it was a boost for us."

Akwa United' Ubong Friday and Ezekiel Bassey celebrating a goal against Kano Pillars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nest of Champions. Both players were on target.

To interest you, last season, we didn't lose at home, we won 16 matches with 3 draws, we want to continue that invincible home run. And again, we never ruled out hardwork, dedication and seriousness on the part of the players and coaching crew. So, we want to continue from where we stopped last season."

On the team new signings, he stated that four players had left for greener pastures and they have been replaced. We lost fantastic players but we've added some players to the squad"

Speaking ahead on this weekend matchday two encounter against Shooting Stars in Ibadan slated for December 26th (Boxing day). Patrick is optimistic that Akwa United are coming to Ibadan to claim the three points.

"Last season we picked many points on the roads, we played 19 games, lost only 5, won 3 and drew 11. We travel with the intention to win and we are coming to Ibadan to get three points back to Uyo. He concluded.

SHOOTING STARS POSSIBLE LINE-UP

Shooting Stars XI 🆚 Gombe United

Laide Okanlawon (GK), Augustine Bafan, Amodu Nurudeen, Henry Ndedi, Omololu Waheed, Isiaka Mutiu, Olafimihan Gafar, Akilu Mohammed, Sochima Elum, Olatunji Damilare, Malomo Taofeeq.

 AKWA UNITED POSSIBLE LINE-UP

Adewale Adeyinka (Gk), Etboy Akpan, James Ajako, Dennis Nya, Samson Gbadegbo, Dare Ojo, Ubong Essien, Seth Mayi, Ezekiel Bassey, Ubong Friday, Stephen Chukwude