Akwa Starlets bash 3SC 3-0, join Jigawa, Adamawa, Warri Wolves in NPFL
Lehmann angry at Arsenal over lack of ambition
FORMER Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believes the Gunners are in danger of losing their identity, saying “no-one knows which direction it is supposed to be going”.
The Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League last season, meaning they will play in the Europa League for the third consecutive campaign.
Arsenal have only signed teenage Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli so far during the close season, while fan groups have joined together to call for major shareholder, Stan Kroenke, to reinvigorate the Gunners following what they see as a decade of decline.
Lehmann, who played for the Gunners between 2003 and 2008 before returning for a short spell in 2011, agrees with the fans’ view and has accused the team of drifting.
“The club is certainly in a situation right now where no-one knows the direction in which it is supposed to be going,” he said.
Lehmann believes Unai Emery has an impressive squad at his disposal but says they need to win a trophy soon in order to get back on track.
“All the guys playing for Arsenal are good, but they need to win something,” he added.
“They were in the Europa League final last season and lost [to Chelsea]. Obviously, it would have been good if they had won it.
“The finish to the Premier League season was disappointing, as well. They had the chance to secure fourth or even third, but they didn’t.”
Arsenal have started their pre-season campaign in good form, registering wins against Colorado Rapids, Bayern Munich and Fiorentina.
AKWA Starlets of Uyo yesterday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba caused a major upset in the Nigeria National League (NNL) Promotion Play-offs when they defeated 3SC of Ibadan 3-0.
The win takes the Uyobased team to the elite Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), where Jigawa Golden Stars, Adamawa United and Warri Wolves will join them.
Playing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Warri Wolves defeated Dynamite FC of Benin 5-4 through a penalty shoot out that settled their tie. The regular period ended goalless.
At the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos, Jigawa Golden Stars beat NAF FC of Abuja 3-2, while Adamawa United beat Road Safety by 2-0 at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.
Akwa Starlets are now the second team from Akwa Ibom State in the NPFL, just as Warri Wolves will also join sister club, Delta
Force in the elite class. Jigawa Golden Stars are returning to the elite class after a lengthy absence, while the 2018/2019 season will be Adamawa United’s first season among the top clubs of Nigerian league since 2006.
The four promoted teams will replace Niger Tornadoes, El-kanemi, Yobe Desert Stars and Bendel Insurance, who were relegated from the NPFL last season.