Bayelsa United continued their resurgence in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Akwa United in a matchday 17 fixture at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The visitors struck first in the 23rd minute when Chijioke Alaekwe converted Paschal Onunze’s precise low cross, beating Bayelsa United’s standout goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah.
Bayelsa United equalized before halftime as Sadiq Auwal slotted home in the 41st minute. Hassan Oladimeji’s powerful run set up Simon Daniel, who delivered an intelligent pass to Auwal for the finish, redeeming himself after an earlier miss.
In the second half, Bayelsa United’s technical adviser, Ladan Bosso, made decisive substitutions, bringing on Ibrahim Yahaya and Fuluwa Akpokabowei. The changes paid off in the 79th minute when Akpokabowei’s shot was saved, but Yahaya capitalized on the rebound with a clinical header to secure the win.
The victory extended Bayelsa United’s unbeaten run to four matches since their November 25 defeat to Shooting Stars. They now shift focus to a weekend clash against Remo Stars in Ikenne.
Speaking post-match, Ladan Bosso expressed satisfaction with the result but noted his team could have led by three goals in the first half. Meanwhile, Akwa United’s interim coach, Umar Abdullahi, praised his team’s effort, describing it as their best performance in recent games despite the loss.
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