Akwa United gave their fight for relegation a huge boost with a 2-0 win over fellow relegation battlers, Heartland FC on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Promise Keepers with two goals in the second half courtesy of Ubong Friday and an own goal earned maximum points which took them out of the drop zone.
The Nest of champions came alive in the early period of the game with the hosts showing signs of scoring after Suleiman saw his attempt saved twice.
After 9 minutes of play, the visitors came close to scoring, but the shot was saved by goalkeeper Jean Efala.
On the flip side, it was Sani Suleiman who had the opportunity to put the hosts in front on 39 minute after flurry of chances that went off target, but his shot was saved as the half ended goalless.
The push for a goal continued for the Orange Boys as the likes of Friday and Suleiman came close to scoring until the 58 minute when the deadlock was broken.
Ubong Friday hit a delightful strike from inside the box to score his 9th goal of the season and Akwa United's first of the day.
It became two after 6 minutes with Seyi Oguntayo freed Ubong Friday with a brilliant diagonal pass which the winger crossed into the box as Chinedu Ozor tucked the ball beyond his goalkeeper and into his own net.
Osoba and Suleiman had the chance to increase the tally, but the woodwork and good save from the goalkeeper kept the score the same at the end.
The win takes Akwa United to 14th on the log with 43 points with goal difference ahead of Sunshine Stars and Doma United on same points in 15th and 16th respectively.
Heartland FC on the hand are in precarious situation following the loss as they remain 19 with 32 points with 4 matches left this season.
Uche Dozie