Akwa United finally taste sugar after shocking win against Remo Stars in 5-goal thriller

Akwa United supporters finally enjoyed a taste of sugar ball following a riveting clash between their Promise Keepers and Remo Stars.

It was one of the standout matches of week 9 as Akwa United put on a show to steal all three points following a 3-2 win over Remo Stars on Sunday in Akwa Ibom. 

The Promise Keepers went into the encounter as the underdogs having won just one of their eight matches in the new NPFL season.

However, the home side turned out to be anything but that after they held off a formidable Remo side that has looked unstoppable so far this season.

The tie had all the makings of a classic as both teams delivered a spectacle, with the NPFL making its debut on Star Times for the season. 

From kick off to the final whistles, Akwa United exhibited a relentless determination to claim the three points at stake, which eventually went to the home team, who overcame an early setback to complete a remarkable victory. 

Following an intense start, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock when the in-form Sikiru Alimi put the Sky Blues in front with a delicate lob. 

Alimi’s opener against the Keepers was his eighth for Remo in the 2023/24 NPFL season.

However, Akwa would bounce with two sensational goals in three first half minutes to turn things around in their favour.

Oluwadamilare Ojo equalised in the 23rd minute before Uche Collins’ second goal three minutes later gave United a 2-1 lead at the break. 

In the second half, it was United who doubled their advantage when Sadiq Rilwanu made it 3-1 just after the hour mark. 

Remo Stars would, however, not go down without a fight as they pulled one back through the homeboy, Aniekeme Okon, in the 78th minute against his former club.

Okon’s strike, sadly, turned out to be nothing but a consolation as Akwa United held on for their first statement win under new manager, Fatai Osho whose style of football is known as ‘Sugar Ball.”