The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) rarely has romantic stories but on a day when Matchday 9 fixtures coincide with the globally celebrated day of love known as Valentine’s day, a fan chose to write his home club.

Ahead of one of the fixtures where Abia Warriors will welcome Akwa United, the Promise Keeper’s gaffer Rafael Everton reunites with the Aba-based side, a club he coached in 2017 but left barely after 3 months. 

The fan who goes by Imeh Owoh made the post on a Facebook sports group known as Atlantic Sports Daily reassuring the two-time federation cup winners of their ability to prove doubters wrong after their slow start to the season. 

“I’m glad you have arrived. The pessimists and even those who have never kicked a ‘tennis ball’ in their lives were the best coaches outside the pitch, calling for sack of the Coach so early in the day. Now with the current understanding blend in your improved performance, you can go places.  On a very serious note, don’t ever underrate your opponents.  Always focus your ability on the trend of winning home or away. Remember that each time you are out for a match the expectation of your people is always too high to contend. Try all you can to assuage their feeling. Always play to the last blast of the whistle.  As you file out today at Umuahia, accept my passionate wish for an injury free, resounding victory on your way back home. God bless!!!”

Everton couldn’t get a win in his first four league matches, picking only a point in his first two matches at home and one in his first two matches on the road. But a turnaround came after the club chairman, Paul Bassey tongue-lashed the players and coaching crew ahead of their home fixture against Go Round FC. 

The team went on to beat the Port Harcourt based side, picking maximum 9 points in their last three matches [including one victory away from home against Yobe Desert Stars], scoring 8 goals and not conceding any in the process.