Following the first win of the season, Akwa United manager Deji Ayeni says his team's target is to get back on the level where the Uyo club can compete in continental competitions.
The Promise Keepers picked up the biggest win of matchweek three of the 2023 NPFL season, trashing Nasarawa United 3-0 at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking in his post-match conference, Ayeni was excited that Akwa United had taken lessons from their previous games – one of which was a home defeat to Bendel Insurance on the opening day of the season.
“Nigerian football has gotten to a point at which, if you play your game tactically, psychologically and mentally, you can get your points anywhere,” the Akwa United boss said after his side's 3-0 win.
“Bendel Insurance came to our backyard and shocked us with a 2-0 defeat, and there and then, we had to get our acts together and start picking our points on the road.
“Sometimes you play good and brilliant and lose, sometimes you play badly, and you win. The most important thing is to win.
“I was given a target to get the team back to the continent, and I believe we can achieve it with what is happening.”
Reacting to the way forward for the Uyo club, Ayeni revealed that it was their intention not to drop any more points until the end of the regular season.
“From the match against Enyimba, we decided that we're not dropping points anymore, and you see the resilience and doggedness of the boys,” he added.
Akwa United will next weekend, return to their home ground in Uyo to play hosts to Plateau United. With their victory on Sunday, they are now third in Group A behind Bendel Insurance and Remo Stars.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
