Akwa United FC will commence their defense of the Akwa Ibom State FA Cup title on Thursday, February 6, with a first-round clash against Pillars Investors Football Academy. The match will take place at the Uyo Township Stadium, kicking off at 3:00 PM.
The Promise Keepers have been the dominant force in the competition, winning 14 of the last 15 editions. Their objective remains clear: to secure one of the two available slots to represent Akwa Ibom State at the national level, where they previously triumphed in 2015 and 2017.
For coach Kennedy Boboye and his squad, this match presents an opportunity to regain confidence amid their struggles in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). With a crucial league fixture against Enyimba International on the horizon, a strong showing in the FA Cup could serve as a morale booster.
Speaking to the club’s media department, Coach Boboye emphasized the importance of taking every match seriously, warning against complacency. He acknowledged the unpredictability of knockout competitions and stressed the need for focus and commitment from his players.
“At this point, it is important for us to win every match we play, irrespective of who our opponents are. Knockout competitions are full of surprises, and we won’t gamble with our selection. We will approach this match with all seriousness, knowing that victory will boost our morale and restore our confidence,” Boboye stated.
He further reiterated that the team’s primary objective is to secure qualification for the national President Federation Cup. “FA Cup is a knockout competition, and we cannot afford to underrate any team. Our focus is to win our games and ensure we represent the state at the President Federation Cup competition,” he added.
Akwa United will be aiming to dominate possession and impose their style of play against Pillars Investors, a team eager to cause an upset. With the experience and quality within their ranks, the Promise Keepers are expected to field a strong lineup to avoid any surprises.
The winner of this encounter will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Godswill Akpabio United FC in a decisive match for a place in the final. The tournament organizers have scheduled the grand finale for February 23, 2025, promising an exciting climax to the competition.
Fans are expected to turn up in large numbers at the Uyo Township Stadium to support their team. Given the stakes involved, Akwa United will be determined to start their title defense with a commanding performance and send a strong message to their competitors.
With their impressive history in the competition and the hunger to return to form, Akwa United will be keen to avoid any early elimination and keep their hopes alive for yet another FA Cup triumph.
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