GRASOF SET FOR MAIDEN AKWA IBOM STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS TALENT DISCOVERY ,ANNOUNCES JANUARY 27TH AS KICK OFF DATE

Grassroots Sports Federation of Nigeria has announced that plans have been concluded for the maiden edition of Akwa Ibom State football talent discovery for public primary schools across the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom.

Addressing sports journalists in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital, the National President of Grassroots sports federation of Nigeria, Comrade John Ekpenyong said the programme is aimed at discovering and harnessing gifted football players within ages 10-12 years in public schools.

Comrade Ekpenyong while explaining the talent hunt will be targeting at fifty young underprivileged pupils for a football academy in Uyo starting in the next academic session appealed to sports officers in the 31 local government areas to be objective in ensuring that only the best of their pupils are presented for selection.

The talent discovery programme is slated to run from January 27th 2025 to 13th February 2025 at designated centers across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State with an opening ceremony holding at the Uyo township stadium.

It would be recalled that Grassroot Sports federation in conjunction with ALGON BOYS FC secured KMK Global Resources organise the just concluded  scouting program in Uyo where her foreign partners from Turkey, Finland, Norway and Malta had a successful event.

SUPER EAGLES BEAT GHANA 3-1 TO QUALIFY FOR 2025 CHAN

Nigeria's Super Eagles Team B have qualified for the 2024 African Nations Championship following a 3-1 victory over the Black Galaxies of Ghana in Uyo.

The Nigerian team surged into a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Sodiq Ismail, Nduka Junior, and Saviour Isaac in a five-minute burst that left their Ghanaian opponents reeling.

Ghana managed to pull one back midway through the second half, but it was not enough to turn the tide as they were defeated 3-1 on aggregate by Nigeria.

The 2024 CHAN tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 1st to 28th February, 2025.

Nigeria has previously earned a silver and a bronze medal in the history of the tournament.

EGUMA APPOINTED ENYIMBA NEW COACH AFTER YEMI SACK

Enyimba Football Club of Aba have officially appointed Coach Stanley Eguma as their new Technical Adviser, following the departure of Coach Olanrewaju Yemi Daniel. 

Eguma, who previously guided Rivers United to the Nigeria Premier League title in 2022, was dismissed earlier this year. 

His appointment comes after a difficult spell for Enyimba, who have struggled to find form under Coach Yemi Daniel. 

The team’s recent performances saw them go nine matches without a win across all competitions, leading to Daniel's dismissal.

Enyimba currently sits 11th in the Nigeria Premier League standings with three outstanding games. They are also at the bottom of their CAF Confederation Cup group.

BOXING ASSOCIATION SENT FORTH RETIRED HEAD COACH , GEORGE OFFIONG

 

The Akwa Ibom State Boxing Association has sent forth her retired head coach, Coach George Edet OFFIONG with cash gifts as a show of appreciation 

Speaking during the sent forth ceremony at the Uyo township stadium, the vice chairman of the Association, Hon. Chief Effiong Edet Effiong said the sent forth ceremony in honour of the retired state boxing head coach was necessitated by the dynamics coach George brought into boxing in Akwa Ibom state during his service as head coach from 2011 to 2014.

Chief Effiong while thanking the Association for the noble Idea, explained that the gesture was a way of showing gratitude to the retired coach and rekindling the spirit of love , unity amongst the coaches, athletes and the Association members for better productivity in 2025.

"We as an Association decided to celebrate you for successfully serving the state for thirty five years and retiring in good health with a lot of medals recorded both at the Youth Games, National Sports Festival, continental and inter-continental championships.

" We will be calling on you from time to time as we prepare for competitions to assist us with your experience as we pray for more fruitful years in good health for you".

Also, an Olympian who is now the head of boxing in Akwa Ibom State, Coach Effiong Asuquo applauded his retired colleague for working hard to ensure that Akwa Ibom state remains a hurb of boxing in Nigeria through the discovery of young boxers and impactful outings in all competitions.

Reflecting on the experience gathered while working with coach George Offiong, coach Asuquo pledged to work harder to improve on the solid foundation he has meet as the new boxing head coach in Akwa Ibom State.

Responding, retired coach George Offiong appreciated the Association, the coaches and the athletes for finding him worthy to be the first head coach to be honoured and celebrated after retirement from service.

Coach Offiong in an emotion laden voice offered prayers of Blessings to the new head coach, the Association and the boxers assuring the Association of better productivity in 2025 and beyond.

Coaches, Athletes and Sports stakeholders from other sports were present and all poured encomiums on the retired head coach

Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival Rescheduled For May 2025

Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun 2024, has approved a shift in the Games' dates from January 2025 to May 2025.

According to a communiqué released after the meeting, the Gateway Games will now be held from 16th to 30th May, 2025. 

Furthermore, the zonal eliminations for team sports are set to take place from 23rd to 28th February, 2025.

This adjustment is aimed at aligning the Games with the evolving direction of sports in the country and providing additional time to implement recommendations made during the technical meeting.

COACH IME UKO APPOINTED AKWA UNITED ACTING TECHNICAL ADVISER

The Management of Akwa United Football Club can confirm the resignation of its former head coach Muhammed Babaganaru following the team's 1-1 draw with Bendel Insurance on Monday night.

The coach resigned from his position as head coach with Akwa United at the bottom of the league table after 16 rounds of matches.

In his reaction after accepting the coach's resignation chairman of the club Elder Paul Bassey said "In football tradition around the world, when results are not forthcoming it's the coaches that pay for the poor run of form irrespective of their output, past antecedents. Babaganaru is a good coach who has worked with many clubs in this country and won trophies but it didn't just work out for him as planned this season.

"He joined us last season and contributed immensely helping us to beat the drop, we can't forget that and we commend him. I can say that our results and position on the log this season is not a true reflection of the work he has done with the team.

"Akwa United is a team with rich history and pedigree, so struggling in the relegation zone is unacceptable and we cannot continue in that direction. 

"Coach Muhammed Babaganaru is a core professional, we will miss him. His resignation may not be the only solution to our problem, we are not happy with the performance of our players and we have started planning to strengthen the team when the mid-season transfer window opens in January.

"Babaganaru knows how it works and he has tendered his resignation and we have accepted it in good faith while wishing him well in all his future endeavours.

“ A gentleman to the core, hardworking, humble and a team player. It was a pleasure working with him”

"At the moment, the team's psychologist Coach Ime Uko will act as the Technical Adviser while the assistant coaches led by coach Umar Abdullahi are in charge of the team until a substantive head coach is named"

Akwa United, league champions in 2021 and two-time winners of the FA Cup are in the drop zone on the log with 16 points from sixteen games comprising four victories, four draws with eight loses.

BABAGANARU QUIT AS AKWA UNITED COACH AMID POOR RESULT

Akwa United’s head coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, has resigned from his position following a 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance in Uyo on Monday.

Babaganaru, who joined Akwa United towards the end of the previous season, played a key role in helping the team avoid relegation. 

However, this season has not gone as expected, with the club currently sitting in 19th place, tied with bottom-ranked Lobi Stars, both teams having accumulated 16 points from 16 matches.

The team’s poor start to the season includes 4 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses.

Babaganaru had previously managed Gombe United, leading them to relegation before joining Akwa United in March 2024, following the departure of former head coach Fatai Osho.

ENYIMBA VS ZAMALEK: TICKETS GOES ON SALE FOR 500 &1000 NAIRA AS FA WELCOME TEAMS TO UYO

Nigeria only representative in the CAF CONFEDERATION CUP, Enyimba International of Aba had pegged the ticket for their match against zamalek of Egypt at 500 and 1000 naira for regular and very Important personals.

This was made public when the Akwa Ibom State Football Association welcomed Enyimba FC in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital where they will be playing their second group stage match of the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

After a 2-0 defeat to Al Masry of Egypt in the opening matchday of the group stage, Enyimba FC will be aiming to secure all three points to boost their chances of advancing in the competition with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association pledging unwavering support for the team as they strive for success on the continental stage.

Mr. Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, expressed confidence in Enyimba FC's ability to bounce back from their setback in Egypt in Uyo as he assured the team of the state’s usual maximum support and wished them the best of luck in their upcoming matches.

"We are excited to welcome Enyimba FC to Uyo for this important match. As always, Akwa Ibom is a proud host, and we are committed to ensuring that the team feels supported and motivated to achieve success. The people of Akwa Ibom and all football fans are behind Enyimba FC as they represent Nigeria on the continental stage. We wish them all the best as they face Zamalek SC on Sunday".

With the he match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association is appealing to fans to come out in large numbers, to cheer  Enyimba FC to victory hinting that that their support is vital in helping the club secure a vital victory in their quest of continuing their pursuit of glory in the CAF Confederation Cup.

"We urge all football lovers to turn out in large numbers to support Enyimba FC, this is an opportunity for us to show our unity and pride as we cheer our team to victory. Together, we can help Enyimba fly Nigeria’s flag high."

Tickets will be sold on matchday at 500 and 1000 naira for the regular and VIP stands, respectively, at designated outlets and around the stadium vicinity.

EGRUAVOEN INVITES RABIU ALI, 29 OTHERS TO CAMP AHEAD OF GHANA CHAN MATCH

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has invited a total of 30 players to camp as the Nigeria Football Federation activates its commitment to ensuring the qualification of the Super Eagles B for next year’s African Nations Championship finals.

 

The 8th edition of the continental championship – reserved exclusively for footballers plying their trade with clubs in their country’s domestic Leagues and possessing standard contracts – is scheduled to run the length of February 2025 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

 

Kano Pillars’ evergreen midfielder, Rabiu Ali, who has scored eight goals this season, is among the players called, alongside Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, and Abia Warriors’ exciting forward Sunday Megwo.

 

There are also Enyimba FC goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, Remo Stars’ wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Enugu Rangers’ midfield ace Kazeem Ogunleye and Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf.

 

Victor Collins, the Nasarawa United defender called up for last month’s 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, and Plateau United’s Adamu Abubakar, are also called up.

 

All the invited players have been instructed to arrive at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Wednesday, 4th December 2024, where the team will train ahead of the first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B, billed for the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December. The second leg will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 28th December.

 

Ghana stopped Nigeria from reaching the Africa Nations Championship finals in 2009 and 2023. In the qualifiers for the inaugural edition hosted by Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria took a 2-0 first-half lead in the opening leg in Accra, only to concede three goals in the second half. The return leg in Calabar ended 0-0. In the qualifiers for the last edition hosted by Algeria, Ghana won 2-0 at home and lost 0-2 in Abuja, but prevailed after a penalty shootout at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

 

30 PLAYERS FOR SUPER EAGLES B CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO

 

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)

 

Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Mayo (Rivers United)

 

Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)

 

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United); Osy Martins (Lobi Stars); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Samuel Ogunleye (3SC); Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors); Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors); Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars)

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.