Akwa United are strategizing for NPFL second stanza, says Deji Ayeni

By Saheed Afolabi

Akwa United head coach, Deji Ayeni has revealed his side’s ambition in the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stressing that they are strategizing for the campaign.

The Promise Keepers made a disappointing start to the season with an opening day 2-0 defeat at home to newcomers Bendel Insurance but have recovered in time to finish the first stanza, unbeaten in four games in a row.

Despite ending the first stanza in third, the former Sunshine Stars gaffer reflects on their campaign so far, while assuring that his side is putting all hands on deck to avoid any slip in the second round.

“Based on the way we started because it’s not always easy for a team that started like that, I won’t say I’m satisfied but I will say it is not good enough,” Ayeni told media.

“I will say rediscovered ourselves to come back to winning ways, so we are now strategising for the second round to make sure that what we experienced first round will not repeat itself.

“If you watched our game against Insurance it was not as if we played badly but football can be very dynamic.”

Akwa United are still in contention for a place in the NPFL super 6 as they occupy the third position in the NPFL abridged group A with 15 points from nine matches as they trail table leaders Benin Arsenal with eight points.

The Promise Keepers, will be hoping to keep to their promise as they play host to Shooting Stars at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, Uyo on the 26th of March 2023.