NNL: Abakaliki FC Hold Akwa United To 1-1 Draw At Home Encounter

‎ ‎ ‎Abakaliki Football Club have played out a 1-1 draw with Akwa United in their Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday Two encounter at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.

‎ ‎Joseph Onwuzurigbo scored for the hosts, while Franck Damodou netted an 85th-minute equaliser for Akwa United to ensure both sides shared the spoils.

‎ ‎Reacting to the outcome, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Chidi Onyia, described the encounter as a tough contest, expressing mixed feelings about his team's performance.

‎ ‎Onyia said he was impressed with the players' display but admitted that the result fell short of expectations. He, however, considered the draw a positive outcome against an experienced Akwa United side, which he noted had been competing for several years. ‎ ‎The Commissioner maintained that Abakaliki FC, despite being barely three years old, had demonstrated its readiness for the season by making it difficult for the visitors to secure a point.

‎ ‎He expressed confidence that the team would achieve its ambition of securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), insisting that the target was achievable. ‎ ‎Similarly, Akwa United captain, Efiok Etim, commended his teammates for their determination, particularly their refusal to give up until the final stages of the encounter.

‎ ‎Etim acknowledged the quality of the opposition, noting that football requires teams to remain competitive regardless of their opponents' tactical formations.

‎ ‎Meanwhile, Chairman of the Abakaliki FC Supporters Club, Prince Maurice Mbam, described the performance as evidence that the team was well prepared for the season. ‎ ‎Mbam expressed optimism that Abakaliki FC would secure promotion to the elite division, praising the technical crew for preparing the players adequately. ‎

‎He, however, acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, stressing that match outcomes could not be determined until the final whistle. ‎ ‎The draw leaves both teams with a point from the encounter as Abakaliki FC continue their campaign in the 2026/2027 NNL season. ‎