How Akwa United rated against Tornadoes
By Udeme Inyang, live in Lokoja
The Aiteo Cup Champions arrived in Niger Tornadoes’ adopted home ground with just one thing in mind – to win.
A peep at those who got on the bus for the trip to the Confluence City confirmed this winning desire. With only six defenders and one defensive midfielder in an eighteen-man squad, Coach Abdul Maikaba’s intention was clear – peg Tornadoes back, get a win and return to Uyo with maximum points.
Akwa United showed great character to take the game to their hosts and never looked deterred even when a goalkeeper howler seemed to hamper their impressive start.
It was a commendable show for Akwa United who must be commended for dominating play even on a bumpy Confluence Stadium synthetic pitch crying out for attention. But how did the players fare?
Ojo Olorunleke 7/10
The Most Valuable Player of the last season’s Aiteo Cup had motivation in full dose when his pretty wife, based in Lokoja arrived the stadium with their baby. With his young family watching from the stands, Ojo did put up a commanding performance, marshalling the backline with confidence which inspired the defenders. However, he blotted his copy-book with a needless time-wasting technique that infuriated the referee and then picking up a back-pass in the 43rd minute which resulted in the referee penalizing him and awarding an avoidable free-kick inside Akwa United’s eighteen yard box. The melee that ensued was expected and Tornadoes benefitted from his technical blunder to score the equalizer. Victor Mboama’s winner spared his blushes but overall, he did well afterwards, protecting his goal area with class and proving he is one of the best goalies in the npfl.
Etim Mathew 7/10
Made his Akwa United debut after switching-over from Enugu Rangers. Etim was benefitting from Captain Otobong Effiong’s injury induced absence and played with a lot of calm through-out the encounter. However, he offered very little going forward even with Akwa United dominating possession.
Kodjo Dadzie 7/10
The Togolese left back did well to curtail Tornadoes’ attacks on the right. With Akwa United dominating, Kodjo ventured forward at will, providing great support for youngster Gata who was having a field day down the left channel. Definitely one of the best left backs in the npfl,but needs to work on his recovery rate anytime he loses the ball.
Denis Nya 9/10
Once again, the former Ekiti United and Lobi Stars center-back showed why Akwa United splashed the cash to lure him back home. He expertly dispatched his penalty with ease, sending the Tornadoes keeper the wrong way as Akwa United raced to an early lead. Alongside Igudia, Nya calmly curtailed every Tornadoes attack ensuring keeper Ojo had very little to do in goal. The young defender is an excellent acquisition for the team. Coach Maikaba will certainly have a selection headache when Emmanuel Ariwachukwu returns from injury.
Godspower Igudia 8/10
Captain of the day, Igudia formed a nice partnership at the back with Nya and must be commended for making sure the backline played with cohesion and understanding. However, he scared his teammates when his rash tackle on Tornadoes’ Eric Frimpong at the edge of the box led to penalty appeals from Tornadoes and their fans. Thank God the referee stood his ground, insisting the foul was not inside the eighteen yard box and awarded a free-kick instead. Overall, it was a good display from the captain.
Kelly Kester 8/10
After scoring on his debut against Rangers in Week1, the ex- Enyimba man once again proved his mettle in Lokoja, dominating play in midfield to the admiration of all. He thoroughly shielded the back four and was not afraid to venture forward anytime he wanted to. Down the middle, Kester formed a perfect understanding with Michael Ibe and made sure Akwa Unted won the game in the midfield. Proved he’s another excellent acquisition for Akwa United.
Michael Ibeh 8/10
The 2016/2017 season was a season to forget for the prodigiously talented Ibeh. Pushed out of the team by Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Aremu Afeez, the ex- Abia Warriors man had to be content with a place on the bench. However, the departure of Aremu to Europe and Ifeanyi’s involvement with the Super Eagles in Morrocco has opened the door for Ibeh to prove his class. He did very well in Omuku against Go Round FC and crowned another good display against Yobe Stars with a goal last Sunday. In Lokoja, Ibeh formed a solid midfield combination with Kester and made sure Tornadoes were simply swallowed up in the middle. Ibeh drove forward at will and read the game well to cover up for Kester anytime the ex-Enyimba man ventured into attack.
Cyril Olisema 7/10
The ex-Ikorodu United captain was the link between the midfield and the lone man upfront- Victor Mboama. Cyril did his job well and also made sure the youngsters on the wings- Gata and Perere never lacked service. He might not be playing to the high standards he set last season, but Cyril has continued to prove that he’s an asset to Akwa United.
Adeshina Gata 8/10
The former ABS youngster finally gave a glimpse of his huge potentials in Lokoja , running rings round the Tornadoes full backs at will and creating opportunities anytime he decided to take them on. One of his runs resulted in the foul that got Akwa United the penalty. Gata proved the coaches did not err to play him ahead of Ubong Friday.
Aniekeme ‘Perere’ Asuquo 8/10
Once again, ‘Perere’ showed why he is highly rated by Akwa United with another brilliant display. However, he needs to work on his final delivery of the ball to attain the heights expected of him in the npfl. When he was substituted, he went off to a standing ovation from fans in the Confluence Stadium who saluted his football artistry with great applause.
Victor Mboama 9/10
The ex- Remo Stars Talisman was initially rough-handled and out-numbered by the Tornadoes defenders. However, when he was finally in his element, he was unstoppable. Victor scored a goal that was ruled out for off-side, struck the bar from the centre circle, just before scoring the winner to silence the voracious Tornadoes fans. He showed he’s a player for the big occasion.
Subs
Ubong Friday 6/10
Ubong came on with fifteen minutes remaining and immediately added to the trouble the Tornadoes backline had to contend with.
Christian Pyagbara 6/10
Was a menace the Tornadoes defenders struggled to contend with when he came on for Cyril Olisema. Used his strength to great effect and made sure Tornadoes did not take things for granted at the back even when they threw everything forward in search of an equalizer.
Amaechi Orji 5/10
Amaechi came on late for Perere and contributed his quota in making sure Tornadoes were never comfortable all game.
