Unstoppable Akwa United; No NPFL Players in Unknown Clubs

Akwa United captain Otobong Effiong said that The Promise Keepers have shown resilience despite a slow start. He also concluded that there is no doubt that Akwa United might become the Nigeria Professional Football League’s (NPFL) new champion.

With six games at the end of NPFL 2021, the Promise Keepers secured its top spot after defeating Enyimba in a 1-0 match. The victory over the defending champions came from a 90-minute penalty score by Charles Atshimene.
Enyimba boss Fatai Osho made sure to start the game with two wingers, three midfielders, and five defenders while the two main strikers were benched. This strategy limited the opportunity of Promise Keepers to score. However, Nelson Ogbonnaya gave away a penalty with a few minutes to play. With this, there might be a quick change in the odds of football betting in Nigeria.

Atshimene came forward and turned the table upside down in the 86th minute. On the other hand, Enyimba’s gaffer Osho was shown a red card with Nura Abdullahi protesting some of the referee’s decisions.

Before edging closer to their maiden NPFL title, Akwa United Sampson Gbadebo said that he is happy with how the season is going. However, he admitted the squad should not be too complacent. Gbadebo also revealed that his team is prepared to finish the job.

‘This season is very interesting and encouraging for us at Akwa United, judging from how far we have come. So far, 31 matches have been played and we have a few more games before the end of the season. We have put in a lot of work to get to where we are at the moment and we want to keep that momentum till the end of the season’, Gbadebo stated.

‘The remaining matches are of huge significance and we don’t have to leave anything to chance at this point of the season. We need maximum concentration, dedication and focus from everyone as we approach the remaining matches’, he added.
Stopping NPFL players from joining unknown clubs in Europe
Amaju Pinnick, president of the Nigeria Football Federation said that he wants to see NPFL players play in major leagues in Europe. This is to change the traditional practice of joining clubs in small European countries for the sake of greener pastures.

Pinnick also pleaded with football agents to stop taking players from the country to play in unknown leagues. As one of the FIFA officials, he promised to help NPFL players improve their skills and finally join huge clubs in Europe.

The president reassured that all of the Nigerian players will play in top clubs such as Villarreal, Valencia, and Lille and not to some unknown ‘mushroom clubs’.

‘I want to expose you, people, to the highest levels so when you’re going to a foreign club, and we won’t allow any agent take you to countries like Cyprus, Belarus, etc., no, never we won’t allow it and I will make sure no transfer is issued in situations like that’, Pinnick said.

On the other hand, Taribo West slams Pinnick for calling unknown clubs ‘mushroom clubs’. He said that what Pinnick said is embarrassing and insensitive. West also emphasized that Pinnick does not have the power to stop any football player from joining the so-called mushroom clubs.

West also added that Pinnick should not hold people against their will and keep them in a league that does not protect or care about their welfare.
Nevertheless, the goal is to expose the NPFL players to the international scene. Significant changes might take place and also have an effect on football betting in Nigeria. With the current NPFL season close to wrapping up, stay tuned to the league’s matches to see which club comes out as the victor.