Akwa Utd vs Enyimba Prediction: Nigerian Professional Football League Match on 02.04.2023

Matchday 12 of the NPFL Group A action will see Akwa Utd host Enyimba at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium from 15:00 GMT.

     

Akwa Utd and Enyimba are both hoping to challenge Bendel at the top of Group A in the run-in. With 16 and 15 points from 9 matches played, they are 7 and 8 points behind the group leaders at the halfway point.

• Villarreal vs Real Sociedad Prediction: La Liga match on 02.04.2023

The clash between the two teams will be crucial in determining who finishes second in Group A and, thus in a position to take advantage of the unbeaten Bendel slip-up in the run-in.

Key Highlights

Akwa Utd’s Unbeaten Run

Third-placed Akwa Utd are in the middle of a four-match unbeaten run in the NPFL Group A action. 

In this run, they have won at home to Remo Stars (3-1) and Gombe United (1-0), while drawing away to El-Kanemi Warriors (1-1) and Shootings Stars (2-2).

In their last five outings, they have lost once, away to Kwara United (2-1), won two times, and drawn twice. They have kept a single clean sheet in this run, highlighting their challenges at the back.

Their four-match unbeaten run has been crucial in elevating Akwa Utd up to third on the Group A table and just a point behind their Sunday opponents, Enyimba.

A win for Akwa will allow them to leapfrog Enyimba to second place in Group A and be primed to pounce if the leaders Bendel drop points in the second half of the group’s action.

Enyimba’s Inconsistency

Group A’s second-placed Enyimba will be looking to keep pressure on leaders Bendel with a win away to Akwa Utd on Sunday.

In their last five matches, Enyimba have won three consecutive matches with two losses on either side of this run.

The three wins came in matches against El-Kanemi Warriors at home (2-0), Gombe United away (1-2), and Shooting Stars at home (2-0). The two clean sheets Enyimba have kept at home during this run highlight their comfort playing in front of the home fans. Their home form has been crucial in elevating them to second in Group A.

The two losses in this run came in matches away to Remo Stars (1-0) and away to leaders Bendel (1-0). In both these matches, Enyimba were unable to pose an attacking threat despite limiting the opponents to a few chances.

Enyimba’s lack of a cutting edge in front of goal away from home is worrying, and it will be tested once again when they face the impressive Akwa Utd in this second versus third shoot-out on Sunday.

Injury Report

Akwa Utd

The Akwa Utd camp has not indicated any suspensions or injury worries ahead of the match at home against Enyimba.

This will be a major boost for the manager as he bids to pick the strongest team to bolster their chances of beating Enyimba and jumping into second in Group A.

     

Enyimba

No injuries or suspensions have been reported in the Enyimba camp in a boost to the gaffer as they bid to keep their second spot in Group A and cut the gap to leaders Bendel.

Possible Lineups

Akwa Utd

Etboy Akpan, Adam Hassan Yakubu, Denis Nya, Seth Mayi Ademe, Oluwadamilare Moses Ojo, Godspower Aniefiok, Sampson Gbadebo, Ubong Friday, Adewale Adeyinka

Enyimba

Alaibo Somiari, Sadiq Abubakar Adamu, Samuel Lucio Kalu, Daniel Ngozi Ijeh, Victor Chukwuma Mbaoma, Bilal Yakubu, Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo, Ekene Awazie, Adekunle Adeleke, Philip Feliz Ozor, Emmanuel Ampeah

Prediction

Akwa Utd will play on the front foot with the home crowd’s support. Enyimba will be pragmatic in their approach to this game; they will prioritize solidity and compactness.

This game will end in a draw, with neither team gaining the advantage they need to challenge Bendel at the top of Group A.

Make sure to bet on Akwa Utd vs Enyimba with 22Bet!