NPFL: Akwa coach delighted with victory over Insurance

Akwa United head coach, Umar Abdullahi has described the victory against Bendel Insurance as a morale booster for his team.

Abdullahi believed that the players need to replicate their home form in the remaining away matches to ensure they reclaim their lost points.

The Promise Keepers defeated Akwa United 3-1 in a matchday 25 fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Wednesday.

Ubong Friday netted a brace with Sani Sulaiman scoring the other goal.

Zaidu Ayuba scored the only consolation goal for Bendel Insurance.

“This is a big win for us, it’s a morale booster because winning two straight home games and scoring three goals in each of those matches shows that there is something we are doing right,” he told the club’s media.

“My players gave their all, they played for each other and our attacking football paid off and that is how we got the desired result.

“The home support is overwhelming and with the determination of my players, I’m sure we won’t drop any point at home again.

“Our major target now is on how to continue with this kind of mentality, especially in the remaining away matches.

“We have to put an end to our poor away form because we can’t afford to play well and not get results on the road, we have to continue pushing our way up the table and that can only be possible when we start picking points on the road.”

But Bendel Insurance blamed the defeat on the absence of the duo of Sunday Anyanwu and Divine Nwachukwu contributed to their defeat against Akwa United.

The Benin Arsenals disclosed this on their X handle.

Midfielder Nwachukwu and defender Anyanwu missed the encounter due to injury.

Both players have been impressive for Bendel Insurance this season.

“Not the result we desired but will surely bounce back as we go back home to prepare for Doma United,” the club stated.

“We greatly missed the services of our defence Marshall Sunday Anyanwu and midfield superstar Divine. Adaaa… Bendel..”

Bendel Insurance dropped down to ninth position on the NPFL table following the disappointing defeat.