It’s the last day of what has been a good week for us, and before you ask, yes, my week starts on Sunday—don’t question it. Thank you for your cooperation. Saturdays, for me, are for reflection, taking stock of what went right (or wrong) and making plans to step up in the coming week.
Why do I call it a good week? Well, we kicked things off with a massive win in Bauchi—our first on the road under Eguma—then followed it up yesterday with double victories: one for the senior team in the State FA Cup and another for our U19s in the N-Youth League Cup. Sadly, our feeder team couldn’t make it a perfect hat trick, falling to Abia Warriors in their State FA Cup fixture.
But there’s plenty to build on. Yesterday’s matches were encouraging. In Ikenne, against R2 Finesse FA, our U19 star Nelson Sule bagged a hat trick as we secured a 3-1 away win. Almost at the same time in Aba, our senior team made light work of Abia Warriors Junior in what felt like a tune-up game. Alade Balogun and Clinton Jephtha got on the scoresheet, and then former Apex Crane fullback Ebube Nwachukwu forced an own goal with a wicked low cross into the six-yard box.
Beyond the result, it was great to see Jephtha, Nnachi, and Nweke back on the pitch as they push for full match fitness. Meanwhile, Eze Ekwutoziem, who has resumed light training, was watching from the stands—joined by several of his teammates. One sour moment, though—goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena suffered a nasty landing. He tried to soldier on but eventually asked to be subbed, giving Miracle Ukadike his debut in the dying moments.
Now, if Akwa United’s coach Kennedy Boboye is calling their 3-1 win over Pillars Investors the start of a winning run, then, surely, we can count our victory over Abia Warriors Junior as a continuation of ours. And guess what? They’re up next. Sunday, in front of their home fans. The Promise (and-fail) Keepers are already suffering, and we never promised to keep them afloat.
Looking ahead, we have our State FA Cup semifinal against Jaguar FC on Tuesday, February 11, at 3 PM in Aba, but the most important battle is the Uyo showdown against Akwa United. A must-win, no debate.
Speaking of Aba, I also noticed the new security post at the stadium entrance is nearing completion. Even better, they’ve added urinary bowls behind it—great for improving sanitation. Though, honestly, a little more discretion in placement wouldn’t have hurt.
But back to business—Sunday is all about one thing: winning. There’s no other option, not when we’re facing a team comfortably glued to the basement of the table.
Back tomorrow with all things Akwa United.
Enyimba Enyi!
