Bayelsa United on Sunday produced a season performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL Matchday 21 encounter decided at the Eket Stadium with a 1-0 win over host Akwa United.
The Prosperity Boys stretched their unbeaten run to four games making them the seventh team in the league to win away from home having secured home victories against Bendel Insurance and Gombe United.
Bayelsa United coach Meremu Okara made four changes from the side that defeated Gombe United last weekend at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Bassey John, Ifeanyi Assurance, Ogunga Kelvin with Yinusa Sheriff making his start on his return from Remo Stars.
Eyong Nneoyi Offem skipped past the Akwa United defense and fired the ball beyond Jean Efala to give the visitors the lead on 77 minute with Bayelsa United shot stopper Godgift Elkanah making crucial saves in the first half.
Five minutes to the end of the first half Akwa United Ubong Friday received Seyi Oguntayo’s precise pass inside the box, controls and shoots with his left but the low drive went off target, Bayelsa United forward, John Bassey on 58 minute pounced on a mix up in the Akwa United backline but his left-footed effort was way over the bar.
Apparently not pleased with the scoreline of the game, Bayelsa United gaffer Meremu Okara immediately introduced Eyong Nneoyi Offem for John Bassey and Tekena Garando for Ifeanyi Assurance to stabilize the midfield.
Ekeson Okorie on 68 minute flashed a volley from the edge of the box but was off target, almost immediately, Jean Efala made a brilliant save to keep out Kehinde Malik’s goal-bound effort.
The Prosperity Boys on 90th minute were reduced to 10 men when Adekunle Oluwasegun got a second booking the visitors immediately made two changes Kehinde Lawal and Ekeson Okorie for Ori Elvis and Favour Martins.
However the numerical disadvantage to the visitors did not affect coach Meremu Okara tutored side as Oginni Olatunbosun, Yinusa Sheriff and rave of the moment Tarabina Biweribo continued to keep their cool at the back.
Just before the final whistle Bayelsa United goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah saved Suleiman Sani’s goal-bound effort for a corner kick to end the game.
The Prosperity Boys will next face Doma United on Wednesday at the Samson Siasia Stadium while Akwa United will be guests to Sporting FC of Lagos.
Bayelsa United Coach Meremu Okara in a post match interview, thanked the players doggedness and rugged determination throughout the game, describing the victory as soul lifting.
Goalscorer Eyong Nneoyi Offem and defender Tarabina Biweribo, appreciated their teammates for the victory, stating that the victory has brought relief to the team even as they prepare to face Doma United in mid-week.
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