“It was frustrating” – Akwa United coach reveals secret behind win over Kano Pillars

By Wale Mustapha

Akwa United’s coach Umar Abdullahi has shed light on the tactical adjustments that led to his team’s first victory of the season, a 2-0 triumph over Kano Pillars on Sunday in Uyo.

The Promise Keepers secured the win in the Matchday Six of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a goal in each half, putting an end to their winless run and lifting their spirits.

Abdullahi, who stepped in for Mohammed Babaganaru, credited the team’s resilience and mental strength for overcoming the Pyramid Boys, led by Ahmed Musa.

“It was frustrating playing five matches without a win, but in Sunday’s game, the boys approached it with a winning mentality, and it paid off for us,” Abdullahi said during the post-match briefing.

“We identified our problems from previous matches, particularly our struggle with goal-scoring, and we worked hard to rectify it.”

Abdullahi also emphasized that the team’s training sessions focused specifically on addressing their offensive shortcomings, which ultimately paid dividends in their victory.

“We are grateful that the boost we were expecting has finally come,” Abdullahi added.

“Our focus was on improving our attacking play, and the team executed that perfectly in the match against Kano Pillars.”

With the first win of the season secured, Akwa United will aim to build on their momentum when they face Rangers in their next NPFL outing on Wednesday.