MFON PATRICK
With two goals to his name already since joining the Promise Keepers during the mid-season transfer window, dazzling winger Nasiru Jibril says he has a point to prove on Sunday as he look forward to leading his new team Akwa United agianst his former side Wikki Tourists on Match-day 25 of the current NPFL season in Bauchi.
Nasiru came off the bench to score the decisive goal on Match-day 24 to help his side reclaim their leadership position on the log with a 2-1 win over Kwara United at the Nest of Champions.
Speaking with the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.com ahead of this weekend’s game, Nasiru says his desire is to contribute his utmost best in every match he is selected to play to ensure the team secures victory.
“I’m always excited everytime I’m listed in the Match-day squad because it’s always an opportunity to contribute my quota to the success of the team and also to improve my game.
“This weekend’s game against Wikki Tourists is one match I was really looking forward to and I’m particularly happy that I’m part of the matchday squad. I left Wikki to join Akwa United few months ago and I still have many fans in Bauchi who will be eager to see me play there but as a professional, my focus will be on making good use of the chances that will come my way, by scoring goals and helping Akwa United to get a positive result on Sunday.
“The atmosphere in and around our camp is very positive and encouraging, so we have resolved to go all out for victory on Sunday to ensure we maintain our top position on the log”.
Nasiru who is comfortable playing in any position in the attacking-line believes that the quality of players in Akwa United can stand up to any challenge in the league this season.
Coach Kennedy Boboye’s men will be aiming to continue their impressive run of form in which they have gone unbeaten in their last 14 league matches, comprising eight wins and six draws.
The Promise Keepers will be chasing an NPFL record of becoming the first team to play 15 league matches without a defeat.
After 24 rounds of matches, Akwa United have recorded 12 victories, nine draws and three loses scoring 29 goals and conceded 13. In their previous twelve away games, Coach Boboye’s men have picked up three wins, six draws while suffering just three loses.
In contrast, Wikki Tourists have managed six wins, eleven defeats and seven draws in their 24 matches thus far, scoring 21 goals and conceded 29. They are 15th on the log with 25 points from 24 matches.
Akwa United and Wikki Tourists have met 17 times in the past with Promise Keepers having the upper hand with eight victories to Wikki Tourists’ five while four of those encounters ended in draws.
Both teams played a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in Uyo and coach Boboye will be expecting goals from his frontmen such as Mfon Udoh, Charles Atshimene, Nasiru Jibril, Ikechukwu Nwani, Ubong Friday amongst other.
Victory for the two-time Federation Cup Champions will see them maintain their leadership position on the log as they continue their quest for a maiden NPFL title.