Akwa United head coach Kennedy Boboye has urged his players to maintain their focus and fighting spirit, insisting that their survival in the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL is far from secured, despite Thursday’s important 2–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.
The result extended Akwa United’s unbeaten streak to five games four wins and one draw lifting the team out of the relegation zone for the first time this season. They now sit in 16th place with 37 points from 31 matches.
In a post match press conference, Boboye emphasised the need for continued discipline and hard work. "We are not done yet," he warned. "This result has taken us out of the drop zone, but we still have seven matches left before the season ends. We must keep fighting for every point."
The former league champions opened the scoring late in the first half, courtesy of an own goal by Ifeanyi Oloye, who misjudged Etiene Asuquo’s long throw. Substitute Abson Mare added a second after the break with a clinical finish.
Boboye praised the squad’s commitment and growing confidence but warned that consistency would be crucial in the run-in. Akwa United next face fellow relegation contenders Nasarawa United in Lafia—a clash that could prove decisive for both sides’ NPFL futures.
Editorial
The job isn’t done yet and Kennedy Boboye knows it. That 2–0 win over Niger Tornadoes was crucial, yes, but it was only a step. In the trenches of a relegation battle, one win can lift spirits, but it’s consistency that guarantees survival. Akwa United are finally showing signs of life and now is the time to double down.
Boboye’s message to his players is simple and direct keep your foot on the gas. These are the moments that separate the survivors from the fallen. They’ve clawed their way up the table through grit, unity, and belief. But the work is far from over.
Credit must go to Boboye not just for the tactical tweaks, but for re-injecting belief into a side that looked doomed just weeks ago. Four wins and a draw in five matches? That’s a turnaround few saw coming. It’s the kind of run that can save a season, but only if it continues.
Now comes the real test: Nasarawa United away. A relegation six-pointer if there ever was one. The players must match their desire with discipline. Every throw-in matters. Every second ball. Every decision.
Survival is within reach but only if Akwa United stay sharp, hungry, and united.
Did You Know?
- Akwa United won the NPFL title in 2021 under Kennedy Boboye, their first-ever league crown.
- The club was founded in 1996 and is nicknamed "The Promise Keepers."
- Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Akwa United’s home ground, seats over 30,000 fans and is one of the most modern stadiums in Nigeria.
- Boboye is a former Nigerian international and has coached other NPFL clubs including Plateau United and Abia Warriors.
- Akwa United’s recent unbeaten streak is their longest this season, with eight goals scored and just one conceded in that run.
