Akwa United continued their fight to escape relegation in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a vital 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars on Sunday. Despite the much-needed win, the Promise Keepers remain in the relegation zone, struggling to climb out of danger.
Second-half goals from Endurance Ebedebiri and Uche Sabastine secured all three points for Akwa United. Ebedebiri broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a loose ball from a corner kick to put his side ahead. Just six minutes later, Sabastine doubled the lead with a brilliant solo run, slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs after receiving a precise pass from Osoba.
READ MORE: Rwanda list 13 foreign pros to battle the Super Eagles on Friday
However, the win did little to improve Akwa United’s league standing. The club remains 19th out of 20 teams, with 31 points from 27 matches. Their overall form this season has been poor, with just seven wins, six draws, and 14 losses, meaning they have won only 26% of their games.
Your Sunday NPFL results…
Remo Stars 8 points clear of second-placed Rivers United, while Ikorodu City drops to fourth.#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/pvQcsaVSRa
— The Athletic NG (@TheAthleticNG) March 16, 2025
Elsewhere in the NPFL, Rivers United secured an impressive 2-1 away win over El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, marking their third away victory of the season. Ikorodu City and Enyimba FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Remo Stars sealed a 2-0 victory over Heartland FC with a late goal in the 80th minute. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United edged Lobi Stars 1-0 at home.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Despite their current struggles, Akwa United head coach Kennedy Boboye remains optimistic about his team’s chances of avoiding relegation. Boboye, who guided Akwa United to their first-ever NPFL title in 2021, was reappointed earlier this season to help steer the club to safety.
The Promise Keepers have endured a difficult campaign, however, Boboye’s experience and deep knowledge of the club are seen as crucial assets as they fight to secure their NPFL status for next season.
With only a few matches left to play, Akwa United will need to build on this victory and string together positive results to stand a chance of survival.