Striker Friday Apollos came off the bench in the second half and scored a decisive goal in stoppage time to secure all three points for the 2021 league champions Akwa United as they recorded their third successive home win of the season.
Friday’s goal against Plateau United was his fourth this season scoring all after coming on as a second half substitute.
The hard-fought 1-0 victory moved the Promise Keepers to 17th on the log on 15 points from 14 games, the same as Plateau United who are 16th on the table courtesy of superior goals difference.
In his post match reactions head coach of Akwa United Muhammed Babaganaru congratulated his players for putting up a good performance and hailed their fighting spirit throughout the tough match.
“It was a very tough match in which both teams played very well and created lots of chances. I’m really happy that we have been able to pick the maximum three points from this game and I thank God for the outcome of this match because it has been a stressful nine days for us in which we have played two games and I’m excited that the boys responded very well.
“Plateau United came with a game plan to frustrate us but our target was to pick all three points because our position on the log is not good enough. I really want to congratulate my players for the spirited performance and their never say die spirit. We are doing all we can to see how we can improve on our finishing. We played well but at some point the boys were anxious at the crucial moments and that affected our execution in the box. We kept pushing and believing till that last moment that the goal came and I’m proud of my players for fighting till the end.
On Friday Apollos impact on the team coach Babaganaru said ” Friday is a wonderful striker that we are trying to improve his game. This is his first season in any league and he has been able to fit in almost immediately but we are being careful how we introduce him into games and I’m happy that he is getting it right gradually. This is his 4th goal from the bench and we will continue to encourage and support him”
Akwa United will next travel to Lagos to engage Ikorodu City on Matchweek 15 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday.
