October, 21 2023.
The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has granted Akwa United’s request to in the foreseeable future, play their home matches, at the 18,000 sitting capacity Stadium, in Eket.
The approval which was contained in a letter dated October 16, 2023 and signed by the League’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Davison Owumi, underlined that Akwa United, which has had a rather slow start to the 2023/24 season, should host their home games in the NPFL, at the Eket Stadium, until when the Nest of Champions will be less busy with international matches.
Football's world governing body (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently approved the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as the only suitable facility in Nigeria to host international matches involving clubs and the various national teams.
This implies that Enyimba of Aba who are hosting Moroccan giants, Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their quarterfinal fixture, in the newly launched African Football League (AFL) on Sunday; and Rivers United, who are campaigning in the Group phase of the CAF Confederation Cup; will host their home games, in Uyo.
The approval also implies that Akwa United will play their Day-4 game in the NPFL against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, on Sunday October 22, 2023 will be played in Eket.
The league body went on to remind the management of Akwa United and the Akwa Ibom State Football Normalisation Committee of the need to ensure that all necessary logistics for smooth and hitch-free matches in Eket, are in place.
Also known as the Promise Keepers, Akwa United with a new Head Coach, Fatai Osho are surprisingly languishing at the wrong rung of the NPFL table, with a solitary point, after three games. But interestingly, they have been able to score five times in their first two away fixtures this term; when losing 3-5 at Bayelsa United and 2-3 in Aba, to defending champions, Enyimba FC; a feat that is very rare to come-by in the NPFL.
I'm Saturday's Day-4 fixtures; the NPFL has postponed indefinitely, the duel in Gombe between Doma United FC and Enyimba of Aba - who are on continental duties on Sunday, in the African Football League.
However, the encounter in Kaduna between Niger Tornadoes and visiting Bayelsa United will go on as planned; same as the tie in Lafia, where Lobi Stars will have their unbeaten run this season, tested to the limits by a very good Abia Warriors of Umuahia, side.
On Sunday, Kwara United will host Enugu Rangers, at the Kwara State Sports Complex, in Ilorin; while Gombe United will have their hands full, when hosting log leaders, Bendel Insurance of Benin, at the Pantami Stadium.
Having picked the very first road win of the season, while edging 10-man Bayelsa United 2-1 in Yenagoa last weekend; Remo Stars are back in their natural habitat, in Ikenne-Remo to host Sporting FC of Lagos, in the first South-West derby of the season.
With a loss, and two victories under their belt, Remo Stars are one of the clubs on six points, while promoted Sporting FC of Lagos, will be looking to make up for the points dropped last weekend, following their goalless draw with Doma United FC.
Another titanic fixture on Sunday, pits four-time champions, Kano Pillars against Rivers United of Port Harcourt; at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofarmata, Kano.
Elsewhere, Plateau United and Sunshine Stars will clash at the New Jos Stadium; while Heartland of Owerri will be out for their first 3 points of the campaign, when hosting fellow promoted outfit, Katsina United; at the Dan Ànyiam Stadium, in Owerri; www.ckdmedia.ng reports.
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