Wike Cup: Lobi Stars, Akwa Utd draw as MFM, Udala record victories

Akwa United has retained leadership of Group A at the ongoing Gov Nyesom Wike Cup even as they were forced to 1-1 draw by Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

Meanwhile, 10-man MFM of Lagos subdued National League side, Bayelsa United 1-0 courtesy of Olayinka Yusuf solitary strike to stay top of Group B just as Udala edged Goddosky 2-1 to place second in the group.

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Akwa United drew the first blood in the 20th minute when Ndifereke Effiong expertly whipped in a free-kick beyond former U-23 goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel but substitute Austine Ogunye restored parity for Lobi Stars in the 81st minute when he drove home a rebound.

Six minutes later, the former MFM man would have put his side in front but he sent the ball wide at the near post.

In a post match interview, Akwa United coach, Kennedy Boboye said his team paid for the blunder committed by one of the defenders.

“We made a mistake and paid for it. That was a blunder from my defender and we paid for it. That is what I can say.”

On his part, Lobi Stars coach, Kabiru Dogo expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the match as he said most of the players who started the gruelling encounter were from the Feeder team.

He said “My team is improving technically. We introduced some of our Feeder team players to start the game so I am okay with the result.

“We are preparing for the league so we need such quality opposition to enable us identify and correct our mistakes before the commencement of the league.”

In today’s fixtures, Udala FC will take on Abia Warriors in the first match while Ottasollo FC battle against Cynosure in the second match.

Bayelsa United will take on Goddosky later in the afternoon just as host Rivers United will target their first win of the competition when they take on Akwa United in the final game of the day.