Akwa United defeated Heartland Football Club of Owerri in a warm up friendly ahead of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season's commencement at the 18,000 capacity Eket Stadium on Friday morning.
The Promise Keepers from Akwa Ibom State scored one goal to beat the Eastern team courtesy of an Ubong Friday's first half goal.
Ndifreke Effiong had the first chance that went over the bar in the 15th minute of the game after his curling effort.
Despite threatening moves by both sides, it was not until the 39th minute that Effiong Moses raced down the right side of the pitch and send a one-time cross into the box for Ubong Friday to latch onto the ball first-time to score.
The score remianed that way as the home team head into the tunnel with the lead in the first 45 minute.
In the second half, the Nazi Millionaires pushed for an eqauliser as Godgift Elkanah made a double save to keep the score at 1-0 in the 59th minute.
In the 75th minute, United came close to increasing their lead as Jibril out jumped his makers and head the ball towards the top corner but the goalkeeper parried it after a dangerous cross by Ajako.
The match ended 1-0 as the 2020/2021 season champions continued their preparation to be in shape for the league in their camping trip to Eket which ends on Saturday.
By Uche Dozie