By Akanimo Kufre
Nigeria’s fiercest football rivalry produced another thrilling chapter as Godswill Akpabio United FC defeated arch-rivals Akwa United FC in a penalty shootout to win the Ibom Preseason Tournament final at the Uyo Township Stadium. The victory extended Akpabio United’s dominance to three consecutive wins over their city rivals, strengthening their grip on Uyo’s football bragging rights.
The atmosphere was electric as supporters turned the stadium into a cauldron of passion, pride and rivalry. The encounter has become one of the most anticipated fixtures in Uyo football, with both sides determined to establish local supremacy and claim the honour of lifting the tournament trophy.
But beneath the excitement was a fiercely physical contest. Despite appeals for discipline during the pre-match dressing-room briefing, both teams approached the final with uncompromising intensity. Tackles flew, fouls interrupted the rhythm, and referee Eguavon Dare was kept busy as the rivalry threatened to overshadow the football.
Akpabio United’s discipline was tested further when one of their players received a red card, forcing them to continue with ten men. The decision passed without significant protest, underlining the apparent acceptance of the referee’s call in a match where every decision carried enormous emotional weight.
Akwa United sought to exploit their numerical advantage, using their pace and width to stretch the opposition. Daniel Gotom, Paulinus Okon and Ndifreke ‘Aspire’ Etim were among the standout performers, injecting energy into Akwa’s attacking play and creating moments of promise. Yet, despite their superior numbers, Akwa struggled to find the breakthrough against an Akpabio side determined not to surrender its grip on the rivalry.
Coach Edward Green’s men responded with resilience, tightening their midfield and defending in numbers. Dare Ojo and Eugene Dung were instrumental in keeping Akwa’s forwards at bay, helping Akpabio United withstand sustained pressure. Their defensive organisation and refusal to buckle ensured that the contest remained goalless through regulation time.
With darkness approaching and visibility becoming a concern, match officials consulted before reducing the playing time to 40 minutes. The adjustment added another layer of tension to an already gripping final, with neither side able to produce the decisive goal. The trophy would therefore be settled from the penalty spot, where nerve, composure and the smallest mistake could determine the outcome.
The shootout delivered the drama the match had promised. Akpabio United captain Ogunjobi missed the opening kick, giving Akwa United an early opportunity to seize control. Akwa maintained their advantage until their star performer, Paulinus, failed to convert, allowing the contest to remain locked at 4-4 before sudden death. Akpabio United then converted their crucial spot kick, only for Akwa’s next taker to miss, sparking celebrations among the Akpabio players and supporters. It ended 4-5.
For Akpabio United, the victory was another statement of intent and a triumph of resilience, particularly after being reduced to ten men. For Akwa United, it was a painful end to a final in which their numerical advantage and attacking ambition failed to deliver the decisive goal. As the Uyo derby continues to grow in intensity, one fact stands out: Godswill Akpabio United have won the city’s latest battle for supremacy, claiming their third consecutive victory over Akwa United and strengthening their hold on the local bragging rights. Despite the edge-of-the-seat excitement, some fans were relieved that the two teams were not drawn in the same group for the NNL season, fearing that the rivalry could turn ugly. (Crossfire Reports
