August 02, (THEWILL) – Akwa United Football Club on Sunday defeated the Mountain of Fire Ministries FC to qualify for the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy.
With a scoreline of 5-2, the victory came at the week 37 match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Coach Kennedy Boboye of the winning team, in a post-match briefing, attributed the victory to the players’ determination and the grace of God upon the team, saying that the players played according to instructions and put in their best; hence the landslide victory.
His words: “First, I give this victory to God; second to the player’s determination, they were there for me. All the players, including the ones that have travelled out, kudos to everybody.
“I feel good and it is the joy of every coach that at the end of the season, you win the trophy.
“It has not been an easy one, but I have to give kudos to the players, the management team and the Akwa Ibom State Government. Everybody’s hands were on deck for us to have won this year’s league. I say thanks to them all”
Boboye, however, expressed optimism that Akwa United FC will work hard in the continental tournament as champion.
Speaking, one of the victorious goal scorers, Mfon Udo, thanked God for the team’s victory.
“Today, am proud of this victory. I am very happy about everything that has happened. I appreciate my teammate and the coach for giving me the opportunity to play the league. So, success all the way,” he said.
A congratulatory statement from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom Council, signed by the Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, and the Secretary, Comrade Dominic Akpan, described the victory as historic, pleasing and inspiring.
The statement stated: “We congratulate Gov. Udom Emmanuel for his untiring support to Akwa United, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Monday Uko; Chairman of the club and renowned sports Journalist, Paul Bassey, players and officials for their inputs in realising the dream of winning a league title.
“We urge the club to reach for the stars in the CAF Champions League campaign, which begins in September and push to retain the League Cup next season because these are the hallmarks of champions.”
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who was present at the stadium, promised to invest in sports, to support and inspire talented young Akwa Ibom youths to reach whatever heights they aspire to.
“Two unprecedented FA Cup victories, and now the biggest of them all, the NPFL trophy coming to Akwa Ibom for the first time in history, this is not luck. This is the culmination of focus, hard work and commitment to a cause,” Udom stated
