Akwa United slipped from second position to third in Group A of the 2022/23 NPFL season after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Plateau United in Jos, on Sunday.

Mustapha Ibrahim’s 36th minute penalty secured all three points for the 2017 champions and condemned the visitors to only their third defeat in 14 games this season.

Head coach Ayodeji Ayeni attributed his team’s slim defeat to hard luck, but praised his players for the determination and fighting spirit shown in the game.

“The outcome of this match is not what we wanted, we went into the game with the mindset of winning but luck wasn’t on our side and we conceded that penalty which gave Plateau United the win.

“I’m impressed with the way we approached the game, especially in the second half. It was a tough game no doubt, we had our chances but couldn’t make good use of them.

Mustapha Ibrahim’s 36th minute penalty for Plateau United. 1-0 it ended in Jos pic.twitter.com/x9gwIatS59

— Akwa United FC (@AkwaUnited_fc) April 17, 2023

“It’s a match we should have gotten at least a point from, but it didn’t happen, so we have to go back home and plan again because the remaining four games are crucial and we have to give our very best to ensure we meet our set target at the end of the season.”

The result in Jos means that Akwa United stay third on 23 points from 14 games, while Enyimba moved up to second on 24 points after picking a vital away win against Kwara United.

Akwa United will next engage Kwara United in a Matchday 15 fixture at home, in Uyo, on Sunday.