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Akwa Starlets produced a fine display in their NNL Promotion Playoffs match against Shooting Stars of Akure.
Femi Ajayi got a brace as he opened the score chart in the 20th minute and added to his tally in the 26th minute before teammate Obo Archibong took the game beyond the reach of Shooting stars.
Ajayi’s efforts earned his manager’s praise and the man-of-the-match award.
At the back, Starlet’s shot-stopper Thomas Omokhude made sure he remained dogged as he kept a clean sheet. His brilliant double saves stopped Ojukwu and Opeyemi’s strikes in quick succession after the Akure based side conjured up some fine build-up play.
The win by Akwa Starlets means that they have gained more grounds to solidify their grip on their first NPFL ticket.
In other games, FRSC FC of Abuja and Adamawa United played a high impact match to the delight of fans and spectators. Adamawa United won the match 2-1 and are on their route back into Nigeria’s topflight league after seven years.
Jigawa Golden Stars won NAF FC of Abuja 3-2 at the Jos Township Stadium to also gain a return to the NPFL for the first time since 2012.
Warri Wolves played a tough draw against a resilient side in Dynamite FC but won 5-3 on penalties to also book their place.
The teams will return in eight days at the Stephen Keshi Stadium to battle for the supremacy of the 2018/2019 NNL season.
