Akwa United beat MFM to Win First NPFL Title

By Our Sports Desk

Akwa United won the Nigeria Professional Football League title for the first time following a comprehensive 5-2 win against MFM in Uyo on Sunday, reports EAGLE EYE NEWS24

Charles Atshimene headed the Promise Keepers in front from close range in the 24th minute.

The hosts doubled their advantage late in the first half when Alimi Adebayo diverted Mfon Udoh’s cross into his own net.

Udoh netted the third goal for Akwa United two minutes after the hour mark.

The visitors pulled a goal from the spot in the 68th minute through Michael Mbonu after Dennis Obasi was fouled inside the box.

Atshimene got his second and Akwa United’s fourth of the game five minutes from time.

Obasi reduced the deficit for MFM two minutes from time.

Atshimene netted his third of the game on the dot of 90 minutes to make it 5-2 to the home team.

Atshimene’s hat trick takes him to 18 goals, the highest by any Akwa United player in a single NPFL season.

The thrilling encounter sealed Akwa United’s position at the top of the NPFL table with 71 points after 37 matches – nine points ahead of second-placed Nasarawa United, who are scheduled to play Enugu Rangers on Monday.

Akwa United will be hoping to stretch their nine-game unbeaten run and also end the 2020-21 campaign on a winning note when they visit Lobi Stars of Makurdi on Thursday.

The triumph secured the Promise Keepers’ first-ever top-flight crown in their 25-year history and it is added to their trophy cabinet which has two FA Cups (2015 and 2017) and the Nigeria Super Cup (2016).

For Kenedy Boboye, he becomes the first manager to win the NPFL title with two different clubs. The last time he won it was with Plateau United in the 2017 season.