Deji Ayeni blames ill-luck on Akwa United defeat at Plateau United 

By Wale Mustapha

Head Coach of Akwa United, Deji Ayeni insists his team paid dearly for not utilizing their chances against Plateau United following a 1-0 defeat in the Nigeria Premier Football League encounter in Jos on Sunday.

Smarting from a 2-2 home draw against struggling Nasarawa United, the Promise Keepers fell to the Tin City side no thanks to Mustapha Ibrahim’s first half strike from the spot at the New Jos Stadium.

Reflecting on his side’s disappointing loss, the former Sunshine Stars manager attributed the defeat to hard luck, while heaping praise on his players for their display of determination and fighting spirit.

“The outcome of this match is not what we wanted, we went into the game with the mindset of winning but luck wasn’t on our side and we conceded that penalty which gave Plateau United the win,”Ayeni told the club media.

“I’m impressed with the way we approach the game, especially in the second half. It was a tough game no doubt, we had our chances but couldn’t make good use of them.

” It’s a match we should have gotten at least a point from but it didn’t happen, so we have to go back home and plan again because the remaining four games are crucial and we have to give our very best to ensure we meet our set target at the end of the season.”

Akwa United have now slipped to third from second spot with the defeat and will next host Kwara United in their next game in Uyo.