Akwa United F.C. secured a 2-0 victory over First Bank FC on Sunday, March 1, 2026, to extend their lead at the top of the NNL Conference B table. The result also completed a season double, following a 3-1 win away in Lagos earlier in the campaign.
Akwa United started strongly at the Uyo Township Stadium. In the fifth minute, Emmanuel Charles controlled the ball well inside the box, but his low shot was saved by the visiting goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Nsikak Raphael attempted a long-range strike, only to see his effort blocked by a First Bank defender.
Paulinus Okon led several attacks in the first half, combining effectively with Daniel Gothom and Aniebiet Sunday, though the finishing touch eluded them. Emmanuel Charles came close again in first-half stoppage time, but his shot narrowly missed the target. The half concluded goalless.
Akwa United returned from the break with renewed purpose. Both Aniebiet Sunday and Emmanuel Charles had opportunities in the opening stages of the second half, before the breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute. Yannick Menegbe delivered a precise cross into the box, and Paulinus Okon scored with a perfectly timed diving header to give Akwa United the lead.
Paulinus Okon doubled the advantage in the 75th minute, completing his brace and bringing his season tally to four goals. He came close to a third with a long-range effort, which narrowly missed the target.
The victory marked Akwa United’s eighth of the season and moved them four points clear at the top of the NNL Conference B table after 12 matches. The team now turns its attention to matchday 13, where they will travel to face Osun United.
Speaking after the match, Coach Paul Offor expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance:
“I am happy with the progress that we are making. I am happy that today was not a late winner or a one goal win. So we are making progress. We are also developing how to break down these oppositions when they come and sit back to defend. You see what we did in the second half, we were able to open them up, create more spaces in between and be able to get the goal.”
He added:
“From this point forward, every game we play is a final for us. We will try as much as possible to approach every game with this mentality. If we want to promote we have to ensure that at the end of every matchday we are on top of the league table.”
On the two-goal hero, Paulinus Okon, Coach Offor said:
“Paulinus is a brilliant player. Kudos to him that even with the brilliance on the ball, he still has energy to help us cover grounds. We are very happy with his performance this season. Everytime he is on the field we are sure that something is going to happen and that is why we try to leave him on the field for as long as possible. I am not surprised with his performance because as a First Class graduate, for you to make First Class that means you are hardworking and he shows that on the field.”
Regarding the absence of striker Michael Okenwa, Offor confirmed:
“Michael was released to go and attend his mother’s funeral and will be back with the squad on Monday.”
On the fans, Coach Offor added:
“We love them. We put in our best to perform well for them, that’s why we are here. We encourage them to always come out to push us so we can achieve this target together.”
Paulinus Okon was named Man of the Match and received his award at full time from Ibom Air officials at the stadium. Akwa United will next travel to face Osun United on Matchday 13 as they continue their push for promotion to the NPFL
