Austin Okon-Akpan
Updated May 24, 2021
The Nest of Champions in Uyo hosted the match between Akwa United and Rangers Int’l FC (Picture Courtesy: Akwa United Media)
The much anticipated Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 22 encounter between Akwa United and Rangers International FC ended in a goalless draw at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
The hosts, Akwa United, with a flawless home record, hoped to use the match to consolidate their top spot on the league standings. The Flying Antelopes were hoping to bounce back after losing 1-0 to Rivers United in Enugu on matchday 21.
The Promise Keepers created the first chance of the match in the 2nd minute of the match when in-form player, Charles Atshimene gave a pass to Mfon Udoh but the striker’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Seidu Mutawakilu.
Going by the poll set by
Goal Africa, 225 fans voted with 43.1 per cent of the followers claiming the NPFL players are good enough for the Super Eagles while 56.9 per cent voted that they are not.
Interestingly, two fans left their comments – one claimed NPFL players’ performances in Caf competitions should be used as a guide by Rohr while the other suggested they lack technical abilities.
Very annoying performance in continental competions. Technically , 0% JbabaOfNigeria (@SalasxyJulius) May 23, 2021
Their caf competition performance is a good yardstick. Ud (@gentlezpher) May 23, 2021
Ahead of next Friday’s international friendly game against Cameroon in Austria, Rohr has called up Heartland goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and Enyimba duo Anayo Iwuala and John Noble, who earned their maiden invitation to the national team in March.
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, marked his Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) return with an assist, as Kano Pillars beat Adamawa United 1-0 on
Musa: Ex-Leicester City star bags assist on NPFL return goal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from goal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
80 Kano Pillars 1-0 Adamawa Utd #PILADA#NPFL21
Ahmed Musa sets up Rabiu Ali with a through pass. He finishes with his left foot to make amends for his missed spot kick earlier. League Management NG (@LMCNPFL) May 16, 2021
Needing a win at the Sani Abacha Stadium to brighten their title ambitions, they began the game on a strong note.
They went close to taking the lead in the 15th minute, but Fahad Usman’s free-kick sailed over the crossbar after Musa was fouled on the edge of the visitors’ box.
Despite dominating ball possession for the remainder of the first 45 minutes, Pillars were unable to convert the chances that came their way.