Ahead of the match, Akwa United dropped points to Osun United, meaning three points would close the gap in the group to a single point. The team delivered an excellent performance, keeping the fight for promotion alive.

TEAM NEWS & STARTING XI

Coach Jeff made 3 changes to the team that lost against Ekiti United. Kelvin returned after his outing in the ROC Cup. Seun, Linus, and Hillary also returned to the XI.

GK: Clinton 

Defence: Solomon, Abraham, Sodiq, Hillary 

Midfield: Jacob, Victor, Linus 

Attack: Seun, Kelvin, Shola

Subs: Ebenezer, Abdullahi, Abdulrahman, Musa, Abraham. C, Nanjul, Alex, Lasisi, Aliyu

ONIKAN DRESSED IN BLUE

The atmosphere at the Onikan was electric. The fans, first timers, and community were all at their loudest. The Happy Corner was already serenading us with our chants before a ball was kicked.

And it was essential for the game we were about to have.

CLINTON CALLED IN ACTION

The first half started patiently; we had possession and were getting into our rhythm. A few offside calls in the first 15 minutes were an indicator of our fast attacking intent and Abakaliki’s high line.

In the 15th minute, Clinton was called into action when Abakaliki FC tried to catch him unaware with a shot from meters close to the centre line, but the goalie was up to the task and showed what he is made of in his second start since his return.

AONDONA'S MAGIC

The opener came in the 20th minute through Jacob Aondona for his 2nd goal in as many home matches.

Sodiq Ayoade received the ball on the halfway line, turned, beat the press, and played a beautiful through ball for Aondona, who raced on the right wing before slotting past the Abakaliki goalkeeper in the near post.

The sound of the vuvuzelas and “Let’s go Sporting” chants could be heard from all corners as the fans got a perfect start to the game.

1-0

HALF-TIME

After the goal, we continued dominating the game. A couple more chances and a flurry of offside calls, but we were unable to double our lead in the first half. 

Victor Samuel got close to getting a second goal, but the Abakaliki goalkeeper parried it away.

Seun Akanji had to be replaced by Lasisi Alabi as he got injured late in the first half.

Half-time

1-0

DOMINANT SECOND HALF

We started the second half the same way we ended the first — in control. Kelvin was played through on goal during a counter, but his shot was dragged wide. This was minutes after Lasisi Alabi set himself free on the left wing after he dribbled past his marker, but his shot was straight at the keeper.

HIS NAME IS ALEX LEME!

In the 88th minute, Clinton made an incredible save from a free kick, keeping us in the game. He sent the resulting goal kick long for Aliyu to head towards Alex Leme before he sent an absolute rocket past the goalkeeper from 25 yards out.

2-0. Onikan Stadium went wild.

Two goals to the good, a few minutes left, and the fans in dreamland.

Abakaliki FC pulled one back, but nothing was stopping us from taking the three points. We managed the remaining minutes well and got a chance for a 3rd goal, but Leme’s shot was just wide.

Full time 2-1!!!

STANDOUT PERFORMER

Clinton- The goalkeeper made multiple saves to keep us in the game. He wasn’t fazed and was a major factor in the win. 

Alex Leme- Super sub Alex Leme scored a screamer to double our lead. The forward was exceptional when he came on as a substitute. After his goal, he continued to pile pressure and came close to getting a second.

COACH JEFF REACTS

"Right now till the season ends, it's always going to be pressure regardless of where we play, but for now we will enjoy, we will rest, we will have to enjoy this victory. It was a hard-fought one."

WHAT'S NEXT?

This win closed the gap with Akwa United to 1 point. We are now one point away from the sole promotion spot in the group. 

Next week, we travel to Uyo to take on Akwa United in a season-defining fixture.