Akwa United are determined to end their winless run in the current 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season and strongly believe that their Matchday Six home match against Kano Pillars could mark a turning point, Completesports.com reports.
Akwa United will host Kano Pillars in a Matchday Six fixture at the magnificent Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo today – Sunday, October 13 2024.
Akwa United currently sit at the bottom of the 20-team NPFL with only one point from five matches, while Kano Pillars are eighth in the table with seven points from the same number of games.
At a recent meeting to address the club’s poor start to the season, the hierarchy of the Promise Keepers made a heartfelt plea to supporters and stakeholders, urging them to stand united behind the team. They emphasised that unity is strength and that, with the fans’ support, Akwa United will bounce back to prominence.
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Akwa United Chairman and Special Assistant on Sports to Governor Umo Eno, Etubong Paul Bassey, did not mince words about the importance of unity and total support for the former FA Cup winners to return to winning ways.
“If there’s ever been a time the club needs total support, it is now as we struggle to overcome the hangover of last season,” Paul Bassey said.
“Reviewing the club’s poor form after five matches in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season, the management identified some positives moving forward.”
Bassey added: “Is it not surprising that the coaches of Enyimba and Rivers United have paid glowing tributes to the fighting spirit of the Promise Keepers? They even praised their own players for their ‘hard-fought’ victories over us.”
“Our players perform well in away matches, only to face undue pressure at home, making them anxious.”
He continued: “It’s only here in Uyo that a small group of fans start cheering for the opposition just minutes into the game, in a match where the result isn’t decided until the final whistle.
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“In other places, teams suffer heavy defeats at home, yet come the next weekend, not a single seat is empty in the stadium. Some of us support these teams forever, through thick and thin.”
“Football teams are fighting to survive in our environment, and Akwa United, being the only one standing here, needs support to stand tall.”
“We owe our genuine fans an apology as we urge them to come out in full force on Sunday to cheer us to victory against Kano Pillars, a much-needed turning point for our resurgence.”
The management of Akwa United also expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Governor Umo Bassey Eno, the team’s chief cheerleader Sir Monday Ebong Uko, Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Akwa United Supporters Club, football and other sports stakeholders, the Sports Writers Association, and die-hard fans for their unwavering support, encouragement, and prayers.
Akwa United are aiming to claim Kano Pillars’ scalp in this Sunday’s clash as they look to turn their season around for the better.
By Sab Osuji in Uyo
