Ndifreke Effiong’s 29th minute strike was enough for Akwa United to secure the maximum points against Kano Pillars in the Match Day 7 of the 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League.
The game played at the Nest of Champions, Uyo saw the home side charged to secure their second league victory of the ongoing season.
In the 6th minute, Effiong had the first clean chance of the game, but his header went over the bar and four minutes later, Morice Chukwu’s free kick eluded everyone and flew inches wide of Pillars goalkeeper, Idrissu’s left post.
The home side continued to trouble the away side defence, which paid off in the 29th minute when Effiong gave his side a deserved lead with a brilliant header from Etboy Akpan’s superb cross.
Ndifereke has now scored his fourth goal of the season and 58th of his career in the league.
Kano Pillars who at that point of conceding were yet to muster an attempt on goal were completely confused at the wave of attacks from their hosts.
However, at the tail end of the first half, Kano Pillars gradually came out of their shells as they had two corner kicks in successive fashion but brought nothing out of it.
At the restart of the second half, Akwa continued from where they stopped as Pillars GK Idrissu made an impressive double save to deny first, Mfon Udoh from point blank range before getting up quickly to block Saidu Salisu’s rebound.
In the 74th minute, Pillars had their first real chance after Akwa GK Adewale dropped Nyima Nwagua’s cross, but Rabiu Ali hit the loose effort wide from 20 yards to the shock of the team as the game ended 1-0.
Kano Pillars have now lost each of their last seven NPFL visits to Akwa United since August 2012.
Following this victory, Akwa Utd moved to 11th position with 9 points while Pillars remained in 6th position with 11 points.
