Coach Jolomi Praises Players For Draw Against AbiaWarriors

Coach Alli Jolomi of Akwa United has praised his players for their fighting spirit in Okigwe, Imo State, which earned them a precious point against hosts Abia Warriors on  NigeriaProfessional Football League(NPFL)match-day 17.

Akwa United were held to a goalless draw by their hosts but coach Jolomi revealed that victory was his team’s target but added that he appreciate the outcome of the match.

Abia Warriors led by Paul Samson fought hard to win the in their adopted home, Okigwe, but could not find the back of the net as Akwa defenders and keeper, Jean Efala  were equal to the task, denying them the opportunity.

“We came here for the maximum three points but with what happened in the game, we appreciate this one point against AbiaWarriors.

“Abia Warriors is a good team, they gave us tough time, but I’m happy that we were equal to the task. I actually came with a good plan to win. They caged my supplier in the middle and cut off all the channels. And we were able to also frustrate their game plan.Another issue in the game was that there was so much wind, and it affected our style of play, but we thank God for the one point. Now our attention is on our next game at home against Enugu Rangers, our expectations is to go home and win,” he said.

Abia’s top scorer, Godwin Obaje was caged by Akwa central defender, Charles Okafor who gave a good account of himself in the absent of Dennis Nya.

In the 76th minute, Akwa United came close to scoring when Adamu  Yakubu who came in to replace James Arong had his  right-footed low drive narrowly missing target.

His Abia Warriors counterpart, Imama Amapakabo said it rather unfortunate that his boys missed scoring chances, with their good effort but not able to get the maximum points.

The goalless draw against Abia Warriors in Okigwe was the second successive away draw between Abia Warriors and Akwa United following last season’s similar scoreline.

In nine away games so far this season, the Promise Keepers have picked up two wins, three draws with four loses.

The reigning champions are 6th on the log with 27 points from 17 matches and they will next face Enugu Rangers in Uyo on match-day 18.