Akwa United head coach, Muhammed Baba Ganaru, expressed his satisfaction with his team’s goalless draw against Lobi Stars in their opening match of the 2024/2025 NPFL season. The match, held at the Lafia City Stadium, saw Akwa United secure a valuable point away from home, despite the team’s initial hopes of taking all three points, as they had done last season.
Ganaru acknowledged his team’s struggle to convert scoring chances, noting that anxiety in front of goal affected their ability to capitalize on opportunities. He remained positive, however, highlighting that the team’s ability to create chances was a good sign. He emphasized the need to work on composure and confidence in the final third.
Reflecting on last season, where Akwa United narrowly avoided relegation by finishing 16th, Ganaru is determined to build a more stable campaign this year and avoid past mistakes.
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Editorial
Muhammed Baba Ganaru’s measured reaction to Akwa United’s draw against Lobi Stars reflects a pragmatic approach to the start of a long and competitive NPFL season. While his team failed to secure the win, the ability to create chances and earn a point on the road is a solid foundation to build upon.
For Akwa United, this season represents an opportunity to improve on last year’s near relegation experience. Ganaru’s focus on improving composure in front of goal will be crucial to their ambitions, as missed chances could become costly in such a competitive league.
As Akwa United looks ahead, this draw offers both hope and lessons. The team must continue working on confidence and scoring if they want to avoid the relegation battle and climb the NPFL standings this season.
Did You Know?
- Akwa United narrowly escaped relegation last season, finishing just three points above the relegation zone.
- Lobi Stars, Akwa United’s opponents in this match, are traditionally one of the stronger teams in the NPFL.
- Muhammed Baba Ganaru has a long history in Nigerian football, having coached several NPFL teams throughout his career.
- The NPFL is known for its unpredictable nature, with even top teams finding it difficult to secure wins away from home.
- Akwa United’s best NPFL finish came in the 2020/2021 season when they were crowned league champions.
