Date: 2016-12-30

Akwa United chairman, Paul Bassey has stated that they are delighted to hand ABS FC their first baptism of fire on their return to the topflight when they clash in the one of the opening fixtures of the 2016/17 NPFL season and that they will do everything to unsettle the Ilorin side they meet on January 15 at the Kwara State Sports Complex.

ABS returned to the NPFL after some seasons in the lower league last season when they thrashed Gateway United 4-1 to pip Bayelsa United, Insurance and Crown FC to the sole ticket and they will have the honour of hosting the Promise Keepers first in their Match Day One tie in Ilorin.

Speaking on the build up to the encounter, Bassey, a veteran sports journalist expressed his happiness at the way the Uyo side have prepared for the season and that facing ABS away from home won't make any difference in their resolve to grab the maximum points in their first match of the season.

"We are prepared for all our opponents in the league next season and being pitted to face ABS in our first match of the season in Ilorin won't make any difference in our bid to target the three points," Bassey told Goal.

"ABS are just coming back into the league and we want to unsettle them before they adjust to life in the premier league again.

"The team is preparing well and the technical crew is also doing its part to ensure that Akwa United are ready for their first match of the season and the subsequent matches."