How Akwa United rated VS Remo Stars
Akwa United finally got their season off the mark with a 1-0 victory over Premier League’s new boys Remo Stars. The Promise Keepers now have a win, three draws and two defeats in the six week old league.
Udeme INYANG appraises the individual performances of the players in their win against Remo Stars on Sunday.
OLUFEMI KAYODE
Had little to do for 90 minutes as Akwa United outplayed their opponents. However, he was beaten in a rare second half counter attack only to be saved by a timely goal line clearance by Emmanuel Ariwa. Overall, was his usual self- bustling with confidence between the sticks. Rating: 7\10.
OTOBONG EFFIONG
The skipper of the side was a rock on the right side of defence and was a delight to watch anytime he joined the attack from the right flank. Seems to be improving tremendously every week. Very commendable performance. Rating: 7\10
KODJO DADZIE
The Benin Republic international lacked composure and confidence all through 90 minutes, shaking throughout like an amateur. Was the clear weak – link at the back. With this performance, Chigozie Chilekwu, his rival for the position will certainly displace him against Enyimba on Wednesday. Rating: 3\10
EMMANUEL ARIWA
Ariwa delivered another assured performance on Sunday to prove that his fine form this season is no fluke. Seems to form a telepathic combination with Godspower Igudia in an almost impenetrable backline. Excellent outing. Rating: 8\10.
GODSPOWER IGUDIA
The Sand Eagles man was brilliant in his tackles and even ventured forward occasionally as Akwa United desperately sought a goal from every possible angle. His partnership with Ariwa has been a delight to watch this season. Rating: 8\10.
AREMU AFEEZ
The former Sunshine Stars defensive midfielder was withdrawn after 30 minutes by Coach Maikaba Abdul. Maybe he was not playing to the coach’s instructions. Just like the spectators were, Aremu was stunned by the early substitution and was visibly grumbling as he made his way to the bench. Rating: 3\10.
AMAECHI ORJI
The ball juggler did what he does well – entertain the crowd with his deft ball skills in midfield as he had his first outing of the season. However, he will need to do more to get the ball into the final third for the strikers to prey-on in subsequent matches. It was an average performance from the ex Heartland man before he was withdrawn for Michael Ibe. Rating: 5\10.
IFEANYI IFEANYI
The ex-Mountain of Fire midfield man did a brilliant job in the middle, combining offensive duties with the task of shielding the back four when Aremu was withdrawn. Gradually getting to play the kind of football we saw him play for MFM last season. Rating: 7\10.
ALHASSAN IBRAHIM
The kid from Northern Nigeria looked overworked as he tried to carve out openings from his pivot position in midfield. Hard a tough time splitting open a resolute Remo backline until his late flick provided substitute Musa Newman an opportunity to scramble-in the decider. Rating: 6\10.
CYRIL OLISEMAH
Just like Alhassan, Cyril did his best trying to fashion out a way out of a stern Remo defence. However, he shied away from responsibilities occasionally, preferring to slice a pass when a go at goal looked more reasonable and productive. Rating: 5\10.
CHRISTAIN PYAGBARA
The team’s lone striker had a torrid time running at a Remo backline determined to end the game on a clean slate. His close ball control, mesmerizing runs down the flanks and combination play with Alhassan and Cyril were a delight to watch. However, the former Flying Eagles striker needs to score his first goal soon – to boost his confidence and prove that he can shoulder the huge responsibilities expected of him this season. Like Alhassan, Christian looked overworked but over-all, looked decent in possession. Rating: 6\10.
Substitutes
MOSES EBIYE
Pre-match reports indicated that Ebiye was injured and wasn’t fit for the game. He was however introduced after 30 minutes for Aremu but he did himself no justice after coming on. Ebiye was clumsy and was a shadow of his usual hustle and bustle-self throughout – an indication that he didn’t shake off his reported injury. Rating: 3\10.
MUSA NEWMAN
The former Nembe City and MFM front- man saved the day for Akwa United, latching on to an Alhassan Ibrahim flick to send the home crowd into wild celebrations. His goal-hungry outlook may force Coach Maikaba Abdul to abandon his lone point-man style for a twin front combo of Pyagbara and Newman in future matches. Rating: 8\10.
MICHAEL IBE
He joined the fray late in a bid to shore things up in midfield after the departure of Orji and Olisemah and did his bit in straightforward fashion-pumping the ball into the final third as Akwa frantically searched for the face saving goal. Rating: 4\10.
