Players of Nigerian Professional Football League Club Survive Armed Robbery Attack

• Akwa United lost 2-1 to Kwara United in a Nigeria Professional Football League match on February 1
• As the Uyo-based team journeyed back home, suspected armed robbers attacked their convoy
• Upon sighting the roadblock mounted by the hoodlums, the drivers made efforts to make a U-turn

Suspected armed robbers laid ambush on the convoy of Akwa United team as the players and officials returned home after honouring Nigeria Professional Football League Matchday 5 against Kwara United.

It was gathered that the terrifying incident happened along the Ogoni Road in Rivers State on Thursday, February 2.

The vehicles approached a road block mounted by hoodlums at about 6.48pm, brandishing several dangerous weapons.

Frantic efforts were made by the drivers to make a U-turn after sighting the robbers.

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However, the attackers pelted the vehicles, smashed the windows and ran after them, which led to one vehicle running into another, but no life was lost.

Team Manager of the club Emmanuel Udoh said as per Complete Sports:

“The attack on our team along Ogoni road was one terrible experience and the psychological effects is what we need to put behind us fast.

“It was God that saved us from those hoodlums, who were determined to do anything to us. The worst part of it is that the attack happened in-between two police checkpoints.

“On behalf of Akwa United, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all security agencies to redouble their effort, especially along some well-known dangerous locations like Ogoni road."

The team managed to arrive in Uyo at about 9:55pm.

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Akwa United dethroned as Nigerian champions after Rivers United emerged as new winners by beating the visiting Gombe United 1-0 on the last day of the season.

The 2021/22 Nigerian Professional Football League season has ended with Rivers United finishing first on the table with 77 points, while Plateau United settled for second as Remo Stars of Ikenne came third with 67 and 62 points, respectively.