By Daily Sports on November 5, 2016

As part of his plans to reposition Akwa United for the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), newly-appointed coach, Abdu Maikaba, has surprisingly handed a lifeline to striker Kufre Ebong to prove his worth and earn a place in the team.

Ebong was one of 13 players dropped by the team recently in a major shake-up ahead of the new football season. The striker rejoined the Uyo-based side last season after a blistering season with Warri Wolves.

A disappointing 2016 campaign, plagued with injury problems, limited the forward from being an active part of the team for months, despite beginning the season on a promising note.

But Maikaba believes Ebong can regain his form and become an asset in the next campaign. The former Wikki Tourists handler told npfl.ng that he believes that the striker needs time to get back to his best and is ready to work on his game as well as psyche him up to bring him back to shape.

"When I got the list of players retained by the team, I discovred that his name (Ebong) was missing. I asked about him, but was told he had a disappointing season as a result of injury.

"I knew the player from his days at Warri Wolves. I told the club's management that I need the player, and they did not object to that. He has started training with us and I will work to bring him back to his best. I trust his capacity and ability," Maikaba said.

Maikaba, who signed a two-year deal with the Uyo-based side recently, promised to give more opportunities to younger players during his unveiling ceremony. The recent plea and reinstatement of Ebong to the first team tilts to Maikaba's philosophy of working with young players.

Ebong managed to score just twice for Akwa United in the whole of last season in the NPFL before injuries ravaged his campaign. (npfl.ng)

•Photo shows Kufre Ebong

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 5, 2016

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