Akwa United look set to win their first-ever NPFL championship today in front of their home fans, but the race for the two remaining continental tickets will have to go all the way to the final game of matches on Thursday.
‘The Promise Keepers’, as Akwa United are known by their fans, only need a point today against visiting MFM FC to be crowned champions for the first time in their history.
They have 68 points from 36 matches, six points clear of closest rivals Nasarawa United and Enyimba, while Kano Pillars (61 points) and Rivers United (60 points) are still within a striking distance.
Akwa United have twice won the Aiteo Cup, but the more prestigious league championship has eluded them.
Under the leadership of veteran sports journalist Paul Bassey, the Uyo club have grown into a stable club to be taken more seriously.
This season they compiled an 18-match unbeaten run to show they mean business and despite the departure of leading scorer Ndifreke Effiong overseas, they have continued to fire the goals as Charles Atsimene and Ubong Friday stepped up.
Coach Kennedy Boboye won his first NPFL title with Plateau United and another conquest with Akwa United will prove he is not a fluke.
A result today at home will mean their final game at Lobi Stars will be a mere formality.
The battle for the remaining two places, which comes with a ticket to play international football next year, is, however, far from settled.
That explained why the matches involving the main contenders, Nasarawa United, Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Rivers United, have been moved till tomorrow for fair play.
Nasarawa United are second on the table with 62 points and a healthy +16 goals difference, while Enyimba also have 62 points and a +6 goals difference.
Nasarawa face a difficult home game against seventh-placed Enugu Rangers, while Enyimba welcome relegation battlers Sunshine Stars.
Both teams will be expected to win their home games, before they play their final games of the season on Thursday.
Nasarawa are away to Abia Warriors, while Enyimba will be guests of Dakkada.
Should any of them drop points here, it could open the door for lurking Kano Pillars and Rivers United, who could still dream till the final moment of this season.
Today’s Matches
Akwa United vs MFM FC
Adamawa vs Kwara United
Jigawa Golden Stars vs FC Ifeanyiubah
Katsina United vs Abia Warriors
Plateau United vs Dakkada
Warri Wolves vs Heartland
Tomorrow’s Matches
Rivers United vs Lobi Stars
Nasarawa United vs Enugu Rangers
Enyimba vs Sunshine Stars
Kano Pillars vs Wikki Tourists
