Akwa United pummel MFM 5-2 to win first NPFL title

Akwa United have emerged champions of the 2021 Nigeria Professional Football League after pummeling MFM FC Lagos 5-2 in their week 37 match played yesterday at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.

It was indeed a promise kept as the ‘Promise Keepers’ won their first ever NPFL title with a match to spare.

The resounding victory over MFM took Akwa United to unassailable 71 points from 37 matches.

This means Akwa United do not need their last match against Lobi Stars of Makurdi on Thursday, July 5 to win the league.

The closest Nasarawa United and Enyimba can come to the 2018 Aiteo Cup winners even if they will be victorious in their remaining two matches is 68 points each.

Against MFM, it was looking like a one way traffic affair for Akwa United until Michael Mbonu’s penalty goal in the 68th minute and Dennis Obasi’s goal two minutes from regulation time reduced the deficit.

Akwa United’s star striker, Charles Atshimene took his goals to 18 with a hat-trick in the 24th, 85th and 90th minute as  Alimi Adebayo’s own goal in the 45th minute and Mfon Udoh’s strike in the 90th minute combined to ensure the resounding victory.

In other week 37 matches decided yesterday, Buhari Ibrahim and Oche Ochowechi scored a goal each to hand Plateau United a 2-0 win over Dakkada in Jos, Emmanuel Ihezua’s solitary strike from the spot in the 6oth minute was enough to win the maximum points for relegation threatened Warri Wolves against Heartland in Ozoro just as Mansoor Aliyu’s 40th minute goals proved the match winner for Katsina United against visiting Abia Warriors.

Week 37 matches will be rounded up today with key battles in Aba, Lafia and Kaduna where continental hopefuls Nasarawa United trade tackles with Rangers, Enyimba square up with Sunshine Stars and Pillars welcome Wikki Tourists.

Kwara United will be the guests of relegated Adamawa United in Gombe just as relegated FC IfeanyiUbah will attempt to drag down Jigawa Stars in their rescheduled match in Kaduna.