Exclusive: Akwa United's Poor League Form: A Call For Concern, Says Samson Gbadebo

Samson Gbadebo, a former player of Akwa United, has expressed his concern over the team's poor performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The Super Eagles B defender who now plies his trade with Al-Naft SC in the Iraqi Stars League in an interview with SportsBoom.com disclosed that he is worried about the team's performance since the start of the league season.

"Akwa United has a rich history in Nigerian football, and it's disappointing to see them struggling in the league."

Akwa United are rock bottom of the league standings with 16 points from 17 games played so far.

CAUSES OF THE DECLINE

Gbadebo attributes the team's poor performance to a combination of factors, including the lack of depth in the squad. "The team lacks depth in certain positions, and this has been exposed in recent matches.

"It is about everyone associated with the club and they all need to take responsibility for the team's poor form," he stated.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE DECLINE

He alleged fear that Akwa United's poor performance could be severe. "The team risks losing their top-flight status, and their reputation could be damaged. "It won't speak well for a football club like Akwa United considering there pedigree on the continent."

DEFENSIVE STRUGGLES

Gbadebo believes that the current team needs a strong leader at the back. "During my time, we had experienced defenders like Olisa Ndah, Denis Nya, James Ajako who could marshal the troops and organize the defense. This leadership is crucial in times of pressure, and I think the current team is missing that."

He stressed the importance of defensive shape and organization. "We used to work on our defensive shape tirelessly during training, and it paid off on match days. I think the current team needs to work on their defensive organization and make sure everyone knows their role."

Gbadeb added: "The team is missing a bit of physicality and aggression at the back. "We used to have defenders who were willing to put their bodies on the line to block shots and win headers. I think the current team needs to develop that kind of mentality if they want to succeed."

TACTICAL CHANGES NEEDED

When asked about the coaching crew, the former defender responded: "They need to take a closer look at their tactics. "The coaching crew needs to review their tactics and make some changes," he said. "They need to find a way to get the team playing more cohesively and creating more scoring opportunities.

"I believed if this area is well looked into, the team's ability to take their chances as it comes will be a thing of the past."

PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY

The former defender also had some advice for the players. "The players need to take responsibility for their own performance. "They need to work harder, be more disciplined, and be more committed to the team's cause."

WAY FORWARD

In terms of what needs to be done to turn the team's fortunes around, the former defender said that it will require a collective effort. "It's not just about one person or one group of people," he said. "It's about everyone coming together to support the team.

"The management, the coaching crew, the players, and the fans all need to work together to turn the team's fortunes around," he concluded.