Akwa United midfielder Paulinus Okon has pledged to raise his performance level as the Promise Keepers intensify their push for a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Okon made the vow after scoring twice in Akwa United’s 2-0 win over First Bank in a Nigeria National League matchday 12 fixture at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday, 1 March. His brace earned him the Ibom Air/Akwa United Man of the Match award.
“I feel grateful. The hard work, the mentality, the efforts, today you can see the result. It has paid off,” Okon said after the game.
The midfielder credited head coach Paul Offor for his steady improvement since joining the club.
“I want to thank Coach Paul Offor for continuously pushing me. I was not like this when I came to Akwa United, but he has been telling me to do more and today it’s showing.”
On the club’s promotion ambition, Okon left no doubt about his objective.
“I want to put in all the effort to ensure this team returns to the NPFL,” he stated.
Despite operating from midfield, Okon is now Akwa United’s leading scorer this season with four goals. He first found the net against First Bank in Lagos in December, scored against Stormers in January, and added another brace against First Bank on Sunday.
“I want to score as many goals as possible to ensure this team succeeds. I am ready to do whatever is legitimate. The effort in training and off it, I want to put in more to ensure Akwa United returns to the NPFL,” he added.
Off the pitch, Okon also reflected on balancing football with academics. A First Class graduate of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering from the University of Uyo, he said discipline was key to his success.
“Nothing on earth is impossible as long as you put your mind to it. Before gaining admission into the university, I was in an academy and I said I wanted to succeed in football and also in my education. Thanks be to God that I graduated with a First Class degree and today I am growing in my football career.”
It was a memorable afternoon for the midfielder as his mother and siblings watched from the stands. After receiving his award, his family joined him on the pitch to celebrate.
The victory extended Akwa United’s lead at the top of the NNL Conference B table to four points. The Promise Keepers will travel to face Osun United in a matchday 13 fixture this weekend as their promotion charge continues.
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