AKSFA TO HOST NFF PRESIDENT, OTHERS TOMORROW IN A SERMINAR IN UYO

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association Chairman, Mr. Samuel Umoh says the board is pleased to welcome the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Guasua and the Secretary of the Federation to Akwa Ibom State for the seminar for elected board members, local football council chairmen and football stakeholders in Akwa Ibom state.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital ahead of the seminar, Mr. Umoh, thanked the Nigeria Football Federation President for accepting to personally declare the seminar open and the Secretary,Dr. Muhammed Sanusi for agreeing to present a key note address and other top speakers who are slated to train the participants of the seminar who are ready to learn modern  ways of administering and governing football at all levels with kine  interest on the grassroots.

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association Chairman explained that the seminar is part of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association's efforts to ensure that all the officials and stakeholders of football in Akwa Ibom state are updated , equipped and operate in tandem with the world's best practices and rules of the games.

According to Mr. Umoh, Mr. Nasr Jibril will be the guest speaker and will handle the topic; Ownership of clubs and players as well as transfers.

It would be recalled that The Akwa Ibom State Football Association had earlier organised training and workshop for football academies and clubs and as well as other stakeholders in Akwa Ibom state for better productivity.

The seminar tagged, Football Governance and Leadership Seminar organised by the Akwa Ibom State Football Association will start by 11AM tomorrow, Saturday 16th November 2024 at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium, Uyo.

HIGH CHIEF CHARLES UKOETTE APPLAUDS A'IBOM FA FOR OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP2024

The Chief Executive Officer of Cledd Nigeria limited, High Chief Charles Ukoette has applauded the organisers of Obong Isong Isang Memorial Academies Championship 2024 for putting up a competition that has aided in reducing youth restiveness in Akwa Ibom state at this critical time of the year.

Ukoette, while praising the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh for thinking outside the box and the family of the late football legend for honouring Obong Isong Isang with a memorial academies championship appealed to all football stakeholders to support the initiative and make it an annual event in the calendar of football events not just in Akwa Ibom State, but in Nigeria.

High Chief Ukoette, who has promised to work with the Football Association in Akwa Ibom State to discover and develope more talents to take over from former legends said, it was time for all well meaning public spirited individuals to come together and take the business of football seriously by investing more in sports generally and football to be specific.

OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 will enter the semi final tomorrow Friday 8 November 2024 with the third and final matches taking place on Saturday 9 November 2024 at the Uyo township stadium with top football stars from across the country gracing the grand finally.

Akwa Ibom State Football Association Pays Tribute To late Football Council Chairman

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to the family of late Mr. Gabriel Gabriel.

The Gabriel, untill his death was the Chairman of Eastern Obolo Local Football Council and has contributed immensely to the development of football in his local government area, Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria 

During the condolence visit by the Akwa Ibom State Football Association led by the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh who was flanked by his Board member, Comrade Felix Udoh and the Chairman of Eket local Football Council, Elder Sunny Udoh sympathised with the family of Gabriel Gabriel and encouraged them to take solace in the  fact that their departed son.

The departed Chairman was a community builder, social mobilizer and a football administrator whose passion was to give future football talents a platform to develop and progress.

Umoh appealed to the people of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area to keep the memories of late Coach Gabriel Gabriel by ensuring that they have a tournament which will discover more talented footballers from Eastern Obolo Local Government Area in his honour and as well as raise someone that will take over from where the departed Gabriel stopped even as the State Football Association will miss his cherished and productive contributions.

Responding on behalf of the family, the Elder brother of the deceased Coach Gabriel Gabriel, Mr, Benjamin Gabriel who welcomed the  Association's delegation alongside his mother and family members thanked the Akwa Ibom State Football Association for condoling with them in the moment of their grief and promised to keep the memories of their son, brother, coach and a football lover alive by ensuring that what coach Gabriel Gabriel stood for in football is maintained.

SENSOR CHAPEL HOLDS 2024 ICONS WEEK ON NOVEMBER 8

All is now set for Sensor Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council to host her 2024 week of icons;  an annual gathering of journalists and friends of the Chapel for scholarship, spiritual and social convocation of some of  the best minds in the industry.

In a press release jointly signed by the Chapel Chairman, Comrade Michael Ufot and Secretary, Comrade Deborah Ekanem, the 2024 theme of the annual event stopper is " The Role Of The Local Media In The Development Of Akwa Ibom State" and it is  scheduled to take place at the NUJ Press Centre , Information Drive, IBB way , Uyo by 2PM on Friday,  November  8th 2024

 

The event has the Commissioner of Information, Akwa Ibom State , Comrade Ini Ememobong  as the Keynote Speaker while the  Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga is Chairman of  the occasion.

Other dignitaries expected at the event are Prof. Herbert Batta of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo who is the  Paper Presenter and The Mandate Secretary, Economic Development, Revenue Generation and Public /Private Partnership, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Architect Ubokutom Nyah  is expected  as the  Guest of Honour.

Energy Expert and Commentator on State and National issues , Dr. Wisdom Enang  and Comrade Thomas Thomas are   Guest Speakers while the Chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk is the Chief Host of the event 

According to the  release, the event promises to be an avenue for journalists to brainstorm on topical issues, share ideas and give back to the society

A run down of the event shows that there will be a special session to honour distinguished men and women who have contributed in no small measure to the growth of the the over 15 years old chapel, supported free press and by extension democratic norms and values

Activities of the week will end with a special thanksgiving service at the Lutheran church of Nigeria, 5 Udo Udoma Avenue by 9AM

The Chapel Chairman, Comrade Michael Ufot on behalf of exco and members warmly welcomes invited guests and the public to the event which is packed with a blend of scholarship and networking for the development of the local media in Akwa Ibom state

A'IBOM FA CHAIRMAN URGES SUPPORTERS, FANS, STAKEHOLDERS TO STAND FIRM AND SUPPORT AKWA UNITED

Akwa Ibom State Football Association Chairman, Mr. Samuel Umoh has appealed to supporters, fans and football lovers to be patient and keep supporting Akwa United Football Club of Uyo to do well in the Nigeria Premier league.

Umoh made the appeal while appearing on a live radio sports programmes in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital as part of the activities to herald the 2024 Obong Isong Isang Memorial Academies Championship.

Responding on what should be done to aid Akwa United Football Club to return to winning ways, the chairman said all Akwa United needs at this point is total support from all stakeholders and lovers of the game of football.

Reiterating that Akwa United is not a bad team, Umoh expressed cogent belief in the promise Keepers picking up their form and ending well in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier League season.

"All we need to help our darling Akwa United now is total support, there are teams that start poorly and end well and I believe that though Akwa is struggling at this early stage of the league but they will pick up with all our support ".

Also on the programme, Mr. Samuel Umoh invited football lovers in Akwa Ibom state to the opening ceremony of the 2024 OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP kicking off this Saturday 2nd November 2024 at the Uyo township stadium from 12 pm. He also hinted that the opening match will be preceded by cultural display, music performance and a parade of all the 19 academies registered for the championship amongst others.

The championship which is gaining endorsement and support from football stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria, and will run from Saturday 2nd November to Saturday 9th November 2024 with all the matches played at the prestigious Uyo township stadium

AKWA IBOM FA CONDUCTS DRAWS FOR OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP ... SETS FOR KICK OFF NOVEMBER 2ND 2024

Akwa Ibom state football association today conducts draws for the 2024 OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP

In the draws ceremony at the Uyo Township Stadium on Monday, 28th October, 2024, 19 registered academies were drawn in two groups of A and B with group A made up of  ten academies while group B is made up of nine Academies.

According to the draws, the opening match slated for 2nd November 2024 will be between immortality Academy and Nigeria Navy Soccer Academy by 4pm.

Other fixtures of the championship which will be played on knockout bases will have Nordic play  Heaven Race,

Eagle Eyes will be up against Artisan,

Wilnam sports academy will host De Ark  in group A while Blessed stars and Full life academies are drawn bye.

 In group B, Greenland  will start their campaign against Pillars Investors, Focus Academy will square up against Murphy's Stars, Olegacy will  be host of Greater Tomorrow, as 7th Wonders Academy will  play Real Dream Academy to compete group B with Virgin International is drawn bye 

Earlier, the State Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh reiterates the commitment of the Association to give Akwa Ibom State football lovers and Nigeria the best organised championship with every match featuring man of the match, pre and post match interviews as well as the technical committee coming out with an all stars team which will further represent the state in tours outside Akwa Ibom state.

Umoh, maintained that the Football Association under his watch is determined to ensure that they give the future stars the best orientation and charged the coaches and managers of the Academies to be at their best by instilling discipline and professionalism in their players before, during and after the championship.

Others who spoke during the draws were the chairman of the championship Mr. Raymond Essien who is also the vice Chairman of the Association, Nigeria Football Referees Akwa Ibom State Council representative by Dr. Rafael Inyang, representative of Nigeria Football coaches' Association, Coach Udobia Udobia and the representative of  grassroots and academies coaches, prophet Ubong, all luaded the sponsors of late Obong Isong Isang Memorial Academies championship and the Akwa Ibom State Football Association for giving them the platform to showcase their professionalism and as well developed football in Akwa Ibom state and by extension the world..

The championship is first of its kind in Akwa Ibom State and it is coming weeks after the Akwa Ibom State Football Association trained Academies owners, coaches and clubs on professionalism and sports business.

2024 U17 WORLD CUP: Nigeria pip Dominican Republic to set up date with USA

Shakirat Moshood’s 89th minute strike from 24 yards earned Nigeria all three points against a heroic Dominican Republic side in the two team’s final match of Group A at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday morning. The win ensured that Nigeria will battle USA in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Playing for the first time in Santo Domingo, the barnstorming Nigerians found the going tough under driving rain against a determined host nation, and could not make an overwhelming ball possession count until Moshood, now with four goals, unleashed a rocket from outside the box.

Captain Renata Mercedes and goalkeeper Rondon led a famous resistance against one of the elites of the competition, and the hosts deserved praise for their pushback that ensured the Flamingos made nothing out of 16 corner kicks.

Coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem in place of Onyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi.

He restored Effiong and Chidi after the hour, but it took a special effort from Moshood, scorer of the tournament’s fastest goal, to break the hearts of the hosts

Victory means the Flamingos top their group, three points better than second-placed Ecuador, who walloped New Zealand 4-0 to finish with six points and set up a clash with Spain on Sunday. Caprice Chiuchiolo netted a brace.

OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP 2024: FA TASK REFEREES ON PROFESSIONALISM

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association has charged referees in the state to display high level of professionalism in the 2024 OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP slated for 2nd to 9th of November, 2024 in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital.

The Chairman of the Association, Mr Samuel Umoh who was flanked by his Vice, Mr. Raymond Essien and the Secretary, Comrade Kufre  Etukudo gave the task during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Football Referees Council in Akwa Ibom State as part of the football association's activities ahead of the championship.

Umoh explained that his leadership will not tolerate any form of unprofessionalism in any competition they organise, stressing that OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP will serve as a litmus test for other tournaments the association is planning to embark on.

" There is nothing like a favoured team in the upcoming Obong Isong ISang memorial academies championship and as such all the Academies deserve fair and professional treatment throughout the championship. We want these academy players to get the right mindset and that cannot be achieved if the referees are not at their best professionally ".

Responding, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State football referees Council, Elder Joseph Bassey and his Secretary Dr. Raphael Inyang, praised the leadership of the football association under Samuel Umoh for being very active and innovative with programs aimed at improving the quality of the game of football in Akwa Ibom state.

Elder Bassey pledge to ensure that referees in Akwa Ibom state remain professional in all their outing by ensuring that they officiate in tandem with the laws of the game and appealed to the football association chairman to aid in making the players and officials of the Academies to be aware of the roles of football and that of the championship.

OBONG ISONG ISANG MEMORIAL ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP: PRIZE MONEY IS READY - FA

Akwa Ibom State Football Association says the prize money for the maiden edition of Obong Isong Isang Academies Memorial Football Championship is ready and will be presented to the winners on the final day of the championship.

The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh stated this when the Association met with some of the Academies that are affiliated with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association and are ready to compete in the Championship slated for 2nd to 9th of November 2024 at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Umoh, reiterate that the board under his leadership will not embark on any project that will not be carried to a successful conclusion with both parties getting what is due them.

The Chairman, sued for more sponsorship for the championship and other activities of the Football Association in Akwa Ibom state, maintaining that the Association will continue to be transparent and accountable in its leadership with the focus on grassroots development, talents discovery and returning football the masses with investors gaining from their investment in football.

It would be recalled that the Akwa Ibom State Football Association had begun registration for the Championship on Monday 14th October with a fee of 20 thousand naira and will end on Tuesday 22nd October while late registration with an extra charge of 10 thousand naira will start on 23 October and closed on October 26 2024 so as to make way for the draws slated for 28th October 2024.

The Championship will be played on knockout bases amongst the registered affiliate academies in Akwa Ibom state at the township stadium 

Responding on behalf of the Academies, Coach Matthew Japhet of Full Life football Academy, applauded Mr Samuel Umoh led Association for being very active in football development in Akwa Ibom state immediately after their elections in April this year.

Coach Japhet, thanked the board for restoring the confidence of people investing in football and expressed optimism that more talented players will be brought to lamplight through the championship.

OBONG ISONG ISANG ACADEMIES MEMORIAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: A'IBOM FA PLEDGES FAIRNESS TO ALL

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association (AKSFA),  has pledged to remain open and fair to all the Academies during the 2024 Obong Isong Isang Memorial Football  Championship.

The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh, made the promise in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday during a media briefing to kick off activities for the maiden edition of the championship, stating that the championship is in honour of late Obong Isong Isang and will be a yearly event 

According to the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, registration began on Monday 14th October with a fee of 20 thousand naira and will end on Tuesday 22nd October while late registration with an extra charge of 10 thousand naira will  commence on,  October 23, 2024 and close on October 26 2024 and draws for the Championship is slated for 28th October 2024.

The Championship will run from 2nd Nov,2024 -9th November, 2024 and will be played on knockout bases amongst the registered affiliate Academies in the state at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Also, speaking,Akwa Ibom State referees council represented by it's Secretary, Dr. Rafael Inyang applauded Mr. Samuel Umoh led Board for initiating a football championship which is aimed at harnessing talents in Akwa Ibom state and promised the Association of a rewarding partnership for the success of the tournament.

On his part, the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, commended the Akwa Ibom State Football Association for honouring the late football legend and administrator, Obong Isong Isang with the championship and appealed for more collaboration for a successful championship which he expressed optimism that this will exposed the abundant football talents in Akwa Ibom State.

AKWA IBOM FA SET FOR MAIDEN ACADEMIES CHAMPIONSHIP,STARTS REGISTRATION ON 14TH OCTOBER

Motions are in place for the maiden edition of the Akwa Ibom state Football Association academies championship.

This was made public in a letter to all the affiliated academies signed by the secretary of the Akwa Ibom state football governing body comrade Kufre Etukudo yesterday 9th August 2024.

The letter indicates that registration for the championship will start on Monday 14th October and ends on Tuesday 22nd of October 2024 while late registration starts on Wednesday 23rd and runs through to 26th October 2024.

According to the association, academies desiring to compete in the championship should make payment of twenty thousand naira only to the Akwa Ibom state football association account.

The championship is slated to kick off on the 2nd of November and run through to the 9th of November 2024 in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital.

"Academies willing to participate should make payment of 20k only to the account below;

Name : Akwa lbom State Football Association 

Bank : FCMB

Account number: 1327276018

Meanwhile the Akwa Ibom state football Association has continued to call on football clubs willing to compete in the 2024 president federation cup to endeavour to pay 200 thousand naira for male teams and 150 thousand naira for female teams as registration fee before 1st November 2024.

Both competitions are only for affiliated academies and clubs willing to compete in the championship and the president federation cup.

GOV. UMO ENO TO DISTRIBUTE 150 FREE HOUSES TO A'IBOM WORKERS TOMORROW

150 expandable 2 bedroom flats at the ultra-modern Grace Estate at Ring Road 3, opposite Stadium Road, Uyo, are to be distributed free to Akwa Ibom Workers. The distribution exercise which is scheduled for Saturday, September, 21 by 6.pm at the Amphitheatre, Udo Udoma Avenue, is part of activities marking the 37th Anniversary Celebration of the State creation.

The Head of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, made this known today while interfacing with some reporters in his Office on the achievements of the present government in the Public Service. 

Elder Essien stated that the houses are for workers on Grade Level 01 to 08 whose appointments have been confirmed. He explained that the distribution exercise by the Governor on Saturday, was preceded by a  foolproof due process where workers who expressed interest were screened,  documented and issued with tickets. He explained further that the tickets shall be randomly and publicly picked, the winners announced and issued with  their flat numbers.

He stressed that attendance at the event is mandatory for all workers in the employ of Akwa Ibom State Government. Elder Essien said that a letter to this effect had since been dispatched to all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure staff attendance, accordingly. Elder Essien reminded all the staff who registered their interest in owning the free houses to come to the  distribution venue with their tickets.

The Head of Civil Service, during the interface, expressed the appreciation of workers to the Governor Umo Eno for his compassionate disposition to workers welfare. He listed the payment of the 13th month salary tagged, 'ENOMBER', wage award of N10,000 for 3 months, approval for the celebration of Public Service Week, after ten years with the payment of N20,000 bonus to all workers during the event, and  wardrobe allowance to teachers. Other act of magnanimity mentioned included the release of over N30 Billion Naira for the payment of backlog of leave grants, gratuities and pensions, and declaration of 1st and 3rd Friday of every month, work-free 'Farm Day'  to enable workers engage in farming activities and contribute to food sufficiency policy of government, among others. 

Elder Essien expressed the continued support of the workers to the Governor, to enable him actualize his ARISE Agenda for the state and the workers. 

CAFCC:AKWA IBOM FA DONATES TO ENYIMBA, TASK THEM TO BEAT ETEIOLE FILANTE ON SUNDAY

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association has urged one of Nigeria's Representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup,Enyimba International  to get victory this weekend at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium uyo against Eteiole Filante of Burkinafasso.

The Association chairman Mr Samuel umoh gave the charged this morning shortly after the teams training session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International stadium where he also made donations on behalf of the board.

Umoh assured the management, technical crew, players, supporters and fans of Enyimba international and all supporters of the game of the usual support from the State Football Association and sports loving people of the state.

"In our usual tradition of supporting teams playing in Akwa Ibom State, we came this morning to reassure you of our support and to encourage you to go all out for victory on Sunday.

We officially welcome you  to Uyo,Akwa Ibom State and also to tell you that you have the support  of thousands of Nigerians who are asking of just one thing, which is Victory for Enyimba international come Sunday 22th of September 2024

Accompanied by the secretary of the association Comrade Kufre Etukudo however challenged Enyimba international to put their best foot forward as he posited that Eteiole Filante of Burkinafasso will want to improve from their last game which ended goalless.

Responding on behalf of Enyimba international FC, the head coach, coach Yemi Olarenwaju Thanked the chairman of football association in Akwa Ibom State,Mr. Samuel umoh and his board for the support and the donations and describe the gesture as a big motivation to the team.

He promised that the team will reciprocate the kind gesture of the board with a convincing victory on Sunday

The second round, second leg match of the confederation of African football confederation cup against the Ougadougou based Eteiole Filante is a must win for both teams with the Nigerian representative Enyimba international hoping to take advantage of the home fans support to emerge victorious on Sunday.

TEAM AKWA IBOM WINS TWO SILVER MEDALS AT ASABA NYG

Team Akwa Ibom to the 2024 National Youth Games this afternoon won two Silver medals in the 49 Kg weight category in Asaba, Delta capital.

Destiny Bassey Okon, a student of Aka Community Secondary School, Uyo, won the two silver medals after snatching 53kg and Jerk 63 to give the state her first medals at the under-15 multi-sports championship.

Destiny Okon, narrowly missed out on a gold medal after falling to lift 65Kg  at the  events in the indoor sports hall of Stephen Keshi stadium in front of a cherry crowd which comprised members of Akwa Ibom community in Delta state.

Team Akwa Ibom will continue their quest for more medals in weightlifting tomorrow in the 55kg category.

Meanwhile the Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for Sports, Sir Monday Uko, has pledged a handsome reward for state athletes who would win gold medals at the games.

The commissioner said the reward is aimed at spurring members of Team Akwa Ibom to work hard and strive to do the state proud.

NIGERIA'S PRESIDENT TINUBU DECLARES 8TH NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES OPEN IN ASABA, TASK ATHLETES ON SPORTSMANSHIP SPIRIT

President Bola Tinubu has officially opened the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

Represented by Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, the President emphasized the significance of the games in identifying new sporting talents across the country.

President Tinubu assured that the Federal Government is committed to providing a platform where young athletes can showcase their skills in a fair and transparent environment.

President Tinubu also promised to consider the Delta State government's request to revert the age limit of the Games to 17 years and below, instead of the current limit of 15 years and below.

In his address, Delta State Governor, Right Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, welcomed the more than 6,000 athletes and 1,000 officials to the state and assured them of a smooth and successful National Youth Games.

AKWA IBOM GOVERNOR RECEIVES PROMOTED IBOM ANGELS, TASKS THEM ON SUSTAINING WINNING MOMENTUM

Akwa Ibom state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, today received the players and officials of Ibom Angels Football Club following their victorious outing in the women's second division football league championship which came to an end yesterday in Calabar.

Ibom Angels secured one of two promotion tickets to the top flight of women's league football in the country - NWFL, by beating Osun Babes of Osogbo 2-0 in a semi-final play-off in front of a capacity crowd at the U. J. Esuene stadium.

Speaking at a brief colourful reception at the Uyo township stadium, to herald the return to base of the victorious ladies, the Governor described the ladies as true ambassadors of his ARISE agenda.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, Governor Umo noted that his administration will continue to place a premium on the development of youths of the state with a view to making them independent, resourceful and productive.

"I am glad that you heeded our clarion call by arising to your full potential to secure an achievement which, today, has put smiles on the faces of our people and has brought tremendous honour to our state." Mr Uko said.

He added, "Tomorrow, we will be inaugurating a 5,000-job scheme for some of our vulnerable youths, and that is just an indication of how seriously we take matters that have to do with our youths."

The Governor made a cash donation and other incentives to the team, and tasked them with maintaining the winning momentum when the 2024/2025 NWFL gets underway.

Responding, the Head Coach - Mr Edwin Okon, and captain - Abasiofon Uwah, both thanked the Governor for continuing to sponsor them despite the economically challenging times the country is facing and expressed appreciation for the huge cash and material donations that the Governor has made to them. They pledged to continue to work hard in order to bring further glory to the state.

Others who graced the occasion include the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lady Rose Bassey, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Mr Iniobong Akpan, Director of Sports, Mrs Brigid Otton, Chairman of AKSFA, Mr Samuel Umoh, among others.

AKWA IBOM FA CONGRATULATES IBOM ANGELS ON PROMOTION TO NWFL

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association ( AKSFA) has expressed commendations to the players and officials of Ibom Angels FC on their recent promotion to the Nigerian Women's Football League (NWFL).

Ibom Angels gained  promotion to the Women Top-flight league by beating the Osun Babes 2 0 in the semi final play-offs on Sunday at U J Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Before the semi final play-offs, Ibom Angels defeated Papa Soccer Angels, Chosen Generation FC and Delta Babes to secure a maximum 12 points in Group B1 matches.

The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom FA, Mr Samuel Umoh in a congratulatory message to the team described the victory as well- deserved and laudable.

According to him, "the Akwa Ibom State Football Association is thrilled with the achievement of Ibom Angels FC,  we are indeed very grateful to God Almighty for making Ibom Angels to return to the elite division of the Women Football, it is a promotion well-deserved".

He said, " your promotion is a testimony to the team's determination passion, discipline and hard work which has culminated with a dream reality of returning to top-flight league".

He noted the commitment and the star performance exhibited by the players during the play- offs.

Umoh further extended appreciation to the State Government and stakeholders for the support to the Coach Edwin Okon tutored girls and hoped that they will reciprocate the gesture in the up coming women premiership league in the country.

The FA Boss appealed for more support and partnership for better outings of the team in the Nigerian Women's Football League

It would be recalled that Mr Umoh was physically present in Calabar to support the team.

U20 WORLD CUP: NIGERIA FALCONETS BEAT KOREA REPUBLIC 1-0

A brilliant late goal by Flourish Sabastine in Bogota earned Nigeria all the three points at the expense of Korea Republic and put the Falconets in a good position to reach the Round of 16 at the 11th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.

Opportunities were few and far between in a game between two strong squads not unfamiliar with themselves, but Nigeria had more of the chances, particularly in a more entertaining second half at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo.

Big forward Mary Lucky Mkpa was full of endeavour and with some precision, should have put away at least two of the opportunities. The Asians, who also lost by a lone goal to Nigeria in a group phase encounter at the last edition of the competition in Costa Rica two years ago, came close to drawing the first blood on the quarter-hour, but Shukurat Oladipo got one foot to a teasing cross from the right to wrong-foot Park.

Nigeria goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare missed a pull-out altogether in the 28th minute but the Korean touch took the ball over the sticks, and at the other end, Mkpa heaved the ball a little too high after a pass by Rofiat Imuran. Nigeria’s blushes were saved just before half time, when Myeyung rocked the crossbar from a 22-yard free-kick.

In the second half, Sabastine and Amina Bello saw their shots blocked in the opposition box, and substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu came close from a good run on the right, before Sabastine sliced the ball from the right wing to smack the upright and roll into the net for the game’s only goal.

Next up for the Falconets is a clash with three-time champions Germany at the same venue on Wednesday evening.

NFF, LABBADIA DEAL CRASH, EGUAVOEN NOW TO LEAD EAGLES AGAINST BENIN REPUBLIC, RWANDA

Coach Augustine Eguavoen will now lead the Super Eagles for their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. 

This decision follows the collapse of contract negotiations between the Nigeria Football Federation and German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, who was initially announced as the new Super Eagles coach earlier this week.

In a statement released this evening, the NFF explained that stringent regulations from German tax authorities had derailed the agreement with Labbadia. 

The Federation cited the tax issue as a significant obstacle, noting that it would be required to cover an additional 32% to 40% of Labbadia’s salary on top of the agreed monthly wage.

NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau clarified that the tax details were not part of the original discussions and that he had personally agreed to all other terms before the tax issue emerged.

The Super Eagles are set to face Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on 7th September and Rwanda in Kigali on 10th September.

AKWA IBOM FA CHARGES IBOM ANGELS ON PROMOTION ... SETS TO SEND DELEGATION TO SUPPORT, CHEER THEM TO VICTORIES

Akwa Ibom State Football Association has charged Ibom Angels to be good ambassadors of the state in the 2024 Nigeria Women's football league championship kicking off tomorrow in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.

The State Chairman of the Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh gave the charged while tasking Ibom Angels players to replicate what they have been trained to do by ensuring that they clinch one of the two slots available for promotion to the premier women's football league from the Calabar centre of the championship.

Hinting that the Football Association in the state has made arrangements to send a delegation to support and cheer them to victories in the competition, Umoh added that it has been the desire of his led board to support as many teams as possible to be playing in top leagues in the country and the women league is very dear to them as it falls in line with the vision of Football Association in Akwa Ibom State.

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association boss expressed confidence in coach Edwin Okon's technical abilities to use the players available in Ibom Angels squad to make football lovers and fans of Ibom Angels to enjoy Premier Women's Football League again in Uyo after being relegated last two years.

" For us as football Association in Akwa Ibom State, we have been working hard to ensure that football is at its best in the state where there will be competitions at all levels and women's football is very dear to us. We have been with Ibom Angels all throughout their trainings in preparation for this championship and we will do more now that the championship is kicking off tomorrow 31 August 2024 in Calabar.

" Akwa State Football Association will as usual send a delegation to support and cheer them to victories in the championship because we want football lovers to enjoy premier women's football league in Akwa Ibom State. Being with them all through their trainings, we are confident in the level of discipline, tactics and the team work amongst the officials and the players "

Ibom Angels young squad arrived Calabar the Capital of Cross River State yesterday 29th August 2024 and will be competing in the 19 teams championship for the two slots available for promotion to Premiere Women's Football League in the centre.

The 2024 Nigeria Women's Football League Championship will be kick off  Saturday, 31 August, 2024 and will run through Sunday, 8th September, 2024 in Calabar.

NDDC DONATES 300 TREATED MOSQUITO NETS TO MARK WORLD MALARIA DAY IN AKWA IBOM STATE

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), on Friday, 16th August 2024, marked the World Malaria Day in Akwa Ibom State with a donation of 300 treated mosquito nets .

The event which took place at the OBA laison office, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, had in attendance people across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.

Declaring the event open, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the event was to commensurate with other multinational agencies to mark the 2024 World Malaria Day.

He said malaria is a global sickness and that the event was to create awareness on how to eradicate the sickness from the State. The NDDC boss disclosed one of the factors that causes malaria which is an unclean environment.

The NDDC MD/CEO who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State Representative in the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, said the NDDC is an intervention agency, hence the Commission decided collaborated with other agencies to fight malaria parasite in the State.

He noted that though the event had globally took place earlier in the year, with the theme “accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world”, NDDC is determined to hold the event annually and will ensure people of the State lives a healthy life.

According to him, "we are here to create awareness on malaria parasite. We are urging you all to always keep your environment clean so that mosquitoes will be far away from your houses. Let us come together to eradicate the parasite."

In his speech, the Director in the Akwa Ibom State NDDC office, Engr. Evong Evong, said the NDDC is committed to doing more in the health sector.

Engr. Evong Evong while stressing the need to live a healthy life, maintained that malaria is dangerous just as other sickness, adding that clean environment will help to eradicate the parasite from the State.

The event featured awareness talk by the resource person, Dr. Idara Isong who is from the Community Medicine Department, University of Uyo. Dr. Isong enlightened the participants on the need to keep environment clean and to ensure proper treatment each time the observed malaria symptoms.

During a chat, one of the participants, Mrs. Grace Okon, thanked the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the one day event and promised to make good use of information gathered at the event.

Highpoints of the event was the presentation of mosquito nets and cash to over 300 people as well as conduction of malaria test by the medical team.