Chijioke Alaekwe, Akwa United’s leading scorer in the 2024/2025 NPFL season, has exclusively told Completesports.com that Sunday’s matchday 23 fixture against Enyimba at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, is a “must-win” tie for the team.
Alaekwe, a former FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Kano Pillars forward, has so far scored five goals in the current campaign.
The striker returned to the domestic top flight after a stint with Bangladeshi top side Sheikh Jamal FC.
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The fair-skinned forward spoke to Completesports.com on Friday night ahead of Sunday’s crucial showdown against the People’s Elephant, nine-time winners of the NPFL title.
With Akwa United rooted to the bottom of the table, having amassed just 20 points from 22 matches, Alaekwe declared emphatically that “it’s victory or nothing” against Enyimba who are currently eighth in the NPFL table.
“We’re looking at nothing but a win against Enyimba on Sunday,” Alaekwe said.
“It’s a must-win match for us because our position on the table is not good at all, and we must fight to ensure that we move up the ladder,” he added.
The 26-year-old striker acknowledged the unpredictability of the game but stressed that Akwa United’s players, coaches, and officials are fully committed to delivering a better performance and securing their escape from the relegation zone.
By Sab Osuji