After their disappointing loss at the Nest of Champions last Sunday, Akwa United Chairman, Paul Bassey has stated that the team is still on course for a triumphant finish this season.
The former league champions shockingly suffered a 2-0 loss at home against newly promoted side, Bendel Insurance in the league opener.
However, the club chairman stated that his team were the better side on the day, but they failed to take their chances. Albeit, the team is still very much in the race to win the league as all is in place to achieve the feat.
“We were more tactical and experienced than our opponents but failed to take our chances in spite of the sustained pressure, especially in the second half and that was our greatest undoing.
“Notwithstanding, we are still on course to win the league this season. We’ve done it before and also know why we did not win it last season.
“We had been playing a lot of preseason matches since September 2022 with most of the premier league top guns, including Enyimba, Rangers, and Rivers United FC among others.
“We also have a good surface and when we play at home, we stretch teams which makes them unable to cope with our style of play,” he said.
As for motivation, the Veteran journalist posited that there was no greater incentive that the players could get that is bigger playing in the continent.
“I keep on telling them that they are not playing for Akwa United or for me but for themselves.
“So, they have to go out there and prove themselves and use Akwa United as a pedestal to go forward in their footballing career.
“I have never tied down any player. At the end of the league season, Akwa United wins and they are noticed.
“They go to play continental football. Every time we’ve gone into the continent, we have lost two, three, or more players, especially to the North Africans.
“That is the biggest incentive. So, it’s not all about money, but the exposure of the players themselves,” he said.
By Uche Dozie