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By Abiodun Adewale.
Akwa United coach, Deji Ayeni, has expressed hope that the club will be back to challenge on all fronts next season after missing out on the abridged 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League Super 6 playoffs, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 2021 champions recorded a 1-0 away victory over Gombe United on match-day 18, but missed out on a Top 3 finish in Group A, after ending the regular season in fourth place with 32 points, same as Enyimba, who ended their campaign in third but with superior goals difference.
After being knocked out of the Federation Cup by EFCC FC, missing out on the season-ending playoffs means that the Promise Keepers won’t play continental football next season, just as their hopes of challenging for the title they won in 2021 was also dashed.
Despite the disappointment, Ayeni is, however, grateful to the management, players, staff and fans of the team for their constant support, and promised a better outing next season.
“I’m disappointed that we are unable to make it to the Super 6 playoffs. From the beginning of the season, our target was to finish among the top three teams in Group A so we could challenge for the league title. It’s not what we wished for but that is football for you,” Ayeni told the club’s website.
“We all know how difficult an abridged league season can be. We lost our first match at home but managed to pick up along the way. Missing out on the playoffs on inferior goals difference is disappointing and we have learned from this experience.
“I want to appreciate the management of this team for their constant support to the club. I also want to thank my players for their courage and determination. I can’t forget the wonderful support and encouragement of our dear fans. We are deeply sorry for not being able to achieve our target this season, hopefully we shall have something to celebrate next season.”
Ayeni joined Akwa United midway through last season and steadied the club ahead of the new campaign. Despite losing their first game of the season, the club recorded nine wins, five draws, with four loses, scoring 24 goals and conceding 14 in the process.