Ndifreke Effiong hit a brace as Akwa United defeated Abia Warriors 2-1 in their match-day three fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.
The victory was Akwa’s first of the season after a draw and a loss in their first two matches.
Ndifreke set the tone in the sixth minute when he put Akwa ahead from close range after an assist from Ikechukwu Nwani.
The rampaging forward almost doubled the lead eight minutes later, but his effort was saved by Vincent Edafe, in goal for the visitors.
Ibukun Harrison equalised for Warriors in the 27th minute against the run of play as both sides went into the break with a goal apiece.
Ndifreke grabbed the winner from the spot in the 59th minute after Edafe brought down Wisdom Fernando inside the box.
The striker almost grabbed a hat-trick in the 69th minute, but saw his effort hit the woodwork.
Other match-day three fixturess will be played on Sunday (today), with the South West derby between MFM FC and Sunshine Stars at the Agege Stadium beamed live.
