Akwa United will be without midfielder Ndifreke Etim for their Nigeria National League (NNL) matchday nine clash against Calabar Rovers.

Etim is sidelined due to a shoulder injury, ruling him out of the upcoming encounter.

The midfielder has been a key figure for the Promise Keepers, featuring in most of the team’s matches this season.

Head coach Paul Offor is expected to identify a suitable replacement from within the squad for the Calabar Rovers game.

The match is scheduled to take place at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Saturday.

Akwa United aim to secure a win to maintain their strong position at the top of NNL Conference B.

Currently, they are joint leaders alongside Sporting Lagos, who hold the advantage on goal difference.

The team’s performance in this fixture will be crucial in determining their standing as they approach the end of the first stanza of the league.

Akwa United have expressed determination to continue their title challenge despite Etim’s absence.