First Bank Football Club’s desperate search for their first win of the season suffered another crushing setback on Monday morning, as they closed out the year with a painful 3–1 home defeat to visiting Akwa United in the Nigeria National League.
It was meant to be a chance for redemption. A final game before the year’s end. An opportunity to lift spirits and restore belief. Instead, what unfolded was another difficult chapter in a season that continues to test the resolve of the Lagos-based side.
From the opening exchanges, Akwa United imposed themselves with confidence and purpose, forcing First Bank FC onto the back foot for long stretches of the encounter. The visitors moved the ball with assurance, pressed aggressively, and capitalized on moments of hesitation from the hosts.
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Despite creating a handful of chances, First Bank FC struggled with composure in the final third. Their inability to convert opportunities proved costly, as Akwa United were clinical when it mattered most.
The breakthrough arrived early in the second half when Daniel Gorom, wearing jersey number 17, opened the scoring in the 49th minute. The goal stunned the home supporters and set the tone for what followed.
Akwa United doubled their advantage in the 64th minute through Okon Paulinus, jersey number 8, who finished calmly after another spell of sustained pressure. With confidence flowing, the visitors struck again in the 74th minute when Okenwa Esseen, jersey number 29, made it 3–0, effectively putting the contest beyond reach.
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First Bank FC managed a late response when Onoja Mathew, jersey number 21, pulled one back in the 83rd minute, offering a brief moment of relief. However, it was too little and too late to alter the outcome of the match.
Discipline issues also surfaced during the game. Abdulraman Adam of First Bank FC was shown a yellow card in the 42nd minute for unsporting behaviour after disputing a referee’s decision. Akwa United players Rasheed Gudus, Etim Ndifreke, and Adw Ganiyu were also cautioned at various stages for reckless tackles and a deliberate handball.
Both sides made several substitutions in an attempt to influence the game, but Akwa United’s structure and game management ensured they remained in control until the final whistle.
The result leaves First Bank FC firmly rooted to the bottom of the NNL Southern Conference Group B table. After seven matches, they have managed just one point, scoring four goals and conceding fifteen. It is a worrying position for a team that only narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of last season.
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With eleven matches still to play, the mathematics offer hope, but performances must improve quickly if history is not to repeat itself. Once again, First Bank FC find themselves staring into the red zone, relying on belief, resilience, and a possible turnaround in the new year.
Whether they can summon the same survival spirit that saved them last season remains to be seen. For now, the year ends with more questions than answers.
