Prolific forward, Mfom Udoh, has completed his third move to his boyhood club, Akwa United, as the Promise Keepers file out against Dakkada International in a local derby that headlines the opening fixtures of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), which gets underway today (Sunday) across the country.
Eight matches will be decided in the opening fixtures of the season with the Abia Derby between Enyimba and Abia Warriors moved to Monday following the People’s Elephant’s late return from Sudan where they lost 0-3 to home side, El Merreikh, in the first first leg tie of the 2020/2021 CAF Champions League.
Similarly, the big clash between Rivers United and Rangers has equally been moved to Wednesday to enable Rivers United undergo Covid-19 tests after returning from South Africa where they pounded Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 in their CAF Confederation Cup first round, first leg match.
Udoh first joined Akwa United in 2012 from Calabar Rovers before a move to former NPFL champions, Enyimba a year later, winning the NPFL title in 2015 with the People’s Elephant.
The 28-year old then rejoined the Promise Keepers for a spell in January 2019 before sealing a deal with FC Tulsa in the United State of America Major Soccer League ( MSL) earler this year,.
But injury cut short his MSL stay, hence his hurried return to Nigeria to rejoin his boyhood club, Akwa United for a third time.
Udoh was on Thursday unveiled by the hierarchy of the club along with eight other new arrivals at the Promise Keepers inside the Godswill Akpabio Intwrnational Stadium, Uyo, otherwise tagged Nest of Champions.
Udoh’s return as well as the signing of other quality players highlights the club’s push for the NPFL diadem this term and Paul Bassey, chairman of the club, did not mince words in making open their ambition this season.
Bassey also made it clear that they are also turning their sights on the Aiteo Cup too.
The other eight new signings include striker Uche Sabastine from FC Ifeanyi Ubah, midfielder Stephen Amos from Aiteo Cup holders Kano Pillars; young midfielder, Samuel Amadi from Warri Wolves. Uche Okafor former captain of FC Ifeanyi Ubah, who is expected to form a defensive partnership with Olisa Ndah, striker Charles Atshimene from Warri Wolves and 24-year-old winger Inemesit Sunday from Ibom Youth FC, 23-year-old Ghanaian striker Abas Saddick from Enugu Rangers and attacking midfielder Seth Mayi from Plateau United.
The derby clash holds today, December 27, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium by 4pm.
All The Match Day 1 Fixtures
MFM Vs Warri Wolves
FC Ifeanyi Ubah Vs Lobi Stars
Katsina Utd Vs Heartland
Adamawa Utd VS kano Pillars
Nasarawa Utd Wikki Tourists
Jigawa Golden Stars Vs Sunshine Stars
Plateau Utd Kwara United
Akwa United Vs Dakkada In’l
Monday, December 28
Enyimba Vs Abia Warriors
Wednesday, December 30
Rivers Utd Vs Rangers
By Sab Osuji
1 Comment
Why is our local league not aired on television?