Akwa United Defeat Shooting Stars to Keep NPFL Survival Hopes Alive

Akwa United FC boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars of Ibadan in their NPFL Matchday 29 fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

The Promise Keepers started the day in 19th place and desperately needed points to climb out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars came into the match aiming for a continental spot but were struggling with a six-match winless streak.

Under the guidance of coach Kennedy Boboye, Akwa United started with attacking intent, testing the visitors’ defence with long balls but failing to score in the first half. After the break, the pressure finally paid off when defender Endurance Ebedebiri capitalised on a poor clearance to score from close range.

Moments later, striker Uche Sebastine sealed the win with a solo effort, dribbling past four Shooting Stars defenders before calmly finishing and celebrating with Elder Paul Bassey, the newly sworn-in Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports.

The victory lifts Akwa United to 31 points from 29 matches, offering hope in their fight to avoid relegation with nine games left this season.

NPFL Matchday 29 Results:

1. 1. Akwa United 2-0 Shooting Stars
   2. Ikorodu City 2-2 Enyimba FC
   3. Remo Stars 2-0 Heartland
   4. Abia Warriors 1-0 Bendel Insurance
   5. Bayelsa United 1-0 Lobi Stars
   6. El Kanemi Warriors 1-2 Rivers United
   7. Kano Pillars 1-1 Nasarawa United
   8. Rangers Int’l 3-0 Kwara United
   9. Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Katsina United

Akwa United will now aim to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures as they continue their battle to remain in the NPFL.

Editorial

Akwa United’s victory over Shooting Stars could be the turning point in their season. With relegation fears looming large, this performance showed resilience, hunger, and determination—qualities that will be crucial in the final stretch of the campaign. The manner in which Uche Sebastine and Endurance Ebedebiri delivered under pressure speaks volumes about the team’s fighting spirit.

However, one good result does not guarantee safety. Akwa United must now maintain consistency, especially with nine crucial matches left. The coaching staff must focus on improving defensive solidity and capitalising on scoring chances. With the crowd in Uyo behind them, the team has every chance of avoiding the drop if they can replicate this intensity week after week.

For Shooting Stars, the result adds to a worrying slump. Their hopes of a continental spot are fading, and the club will need to address its form urgently to avoid slipping further down the table.

This result is a reminder that in the NPFL, form can change quickly, and teams at the bottom can still cause major upsets. The survival race will be intense, and Akwa United’s fightback has added fresh intrigue to the closing stages of the season.

Did You Know?

1. 1. Akwa United won their first-ever NPFL title in 2021, under coach Kennedy Boboye.
   2. Shooting Stars, known as 3SC, are one of Nigeria’s most historic clubs, with five Nigerian league titles to their name.
   3. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is also known as the Nest of Champions and can hold 30,000 spectators.
   4. Akwa United’s striker Uche Sebastine has scored in back-to-back matches for the first time this season.
   5. The NPFL has no relegation playoffs the bottom four teams are automatically relegated to the Nigeria National League NNL at the end of the season.