Akwa United FC has secured a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Akwa Ibom State President Federation Cup after a convincing 3-1 victory over Pillars Investors Football Academy in their quarterfinal clash at the Uyo Township Stadium on Thursday. The Promise Keepers delivered a dominant performance to overcome their lower-division opponents and move one step closer to the state title.
The match began on a bright note for Akwa United, as striker Chijioke Alaekwe opened the scoring in the third minute. Alaekwe capitalized on a well-taken corner kick from Chisom Orji, rising above the defense to nod the ball into the net and give his side an early lead.
Pillars Investors FC, despite being a non-league side, responded well and found an equalizer in the 19th minute, also from a corner kick. Their well-worked set piece caught Akwa United’s defense off guard, bringing the game back to level terms.
Following the equalizer, Akwa United pressed forward in search of a second goal. They controlled possession and created multiple goal-scoring opportunities but were unable to convert their chances before the halftime whistle, leaving both teams deadlocked at 1-1.
At the start of the second half, coach Kennedy Boboye made three tactical substitutions to boost his team’s attacking firepower. He introduced Emmanuel Ini, Friday Apollos, and Auwal Ibrahim in place of Uche Sabastine, Osoba Kabir, and Tochukwu Samuel.
The changes paid off almost immediately, as substitute Auwal Ibrahim combined brilliantly with fellow substitute Emmanuel Ini, who slotted home a fine finish to restore Akwa United’s lead. The goal lifted the team’s confidence and gave them greater control over the game.
As the match progressed, Akwa United continued to dominate, keeping their opponents on the back foot. Their persistent attacking play forced a crucial mistake from the Pillars Investors defense when left-back Paschal Onunze sent a low cross into the penalty area, leading to an own goal that sealed the victory.
With a comfortable 3-1 lead, the Promise Keepers saw out the remaining minutes without much trouble, securing their place in the semifinal round of the competition. The victory showcased the team’s quality and ability to overcome setbacks.
Akwa United will now face Nigeria National League side Godswill Akpabio United FC in the semifinals later this month. The highly anticipated clash will determine which team advances to the final and earns a place in the national competition.
As the tournament nears its climax, Akwa United remains focused on their ultimate goal—winning the state title and making a strong impact at the national level. Their next challenge promises to be a tough test, but with their current form, they will be confident of securing another victory.
0 Comments