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Akwa United line up NPFL pre-season friendlies against Enyimba, Enugu Rangers
By Wale Mustapha
In a bid to be in the right shape and compete for honors in the upcoming Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season, Akwa United have arranged two top friendly matches against rivals Enyimba FC and Rangers International.
The tune up games that have been fixed for this weekend will commenced with a duel in Aba on Friday when the Promise Keepers will square up against Enyimba FC by 3pm.
The 2017 Aiteo Cup champions will wrap up the domestic training tour with the game against Rangers International at the newly built Eket Stadium on Sunday by 4pm.
According to release signed by the club’s Head of Communication, Mfon Patrick on Wednesday, Coach Deji Ayeni is to used the two grade A games to further access his side’s readiness for the new season and where necessary adjustment are required.
Akwa United had on September 30th defeated Katsina United 2-1 in their first grade A friendly at the new Eket Stadium.
The coach will use the friendly matches against two of the most successful football clubs in South Eastern Nigeria to assess the performances of his playing personnel, especially new signings ahead of the upcoming season.
Left-back James Ajako who has been invited to the national U-23 camp and right-back Etim Mathew who is down with illness will not be available for selection for the games.
However, coach Ayeni has capable replacements in those positions such as David Philip, Evans Ogbonda, Victor Ifiok and Taiye Muritala to get the job done.
Akwa United finished ninth on the log with 52 points at the of 2021/2022 NPFL season.
