AKWA IBOM FA DONATES TO NLO ORGANIZERS, TEAMS IN CALABAR CENTER

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association has supported the organizers of the ongoing Nation wide league one in Calabar the Cross Rivers' state capital with  packs of bottle water and other items.

Presenting the items to the organizers and the ten teams at the UJ Esuene stadium, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association chairman, Mr Samuel umoh who was flanked by his board members and other stakeholders said the donation and support is 

inline with his administration determination to develop and promote football from the grassroots.

Umoh, commended the officials in the Calabar center of the 2024 NLO for upholding the ethics of the game and charged them for finish tbe competition well with only the best team from the center gaining promotion so as to encourage both the young lads and the private investors to come in and invest more on the discovery of more talented young players.

In response, the Secretary cross River state FA,Mr. Talabi Oke congratulated the Akwa Ibom State Football Association board on the bold steps so far taken to reposition football in the Akwacross region and pledged to continue the partnership for more football development in the two states and Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the ten competing teams, Frederick Udoh thanked the newly inaugurated Akwa Ibom State Football Association board for the kind gesture, saying that the donation will not only aid the smooth running of the competition in the Calabar center but will also send a positive psychological message to the league organizers on how to expand their frontiers for more partnership for the league.

The Calabar center host eight teams from Akwa Ibom State and two from Cross River state with P. Sports  FC topping the log after eight matches and will play the second spot team, Ibom youth FC  in the last game  of the center.

Other eight teams at the center are; Essien Ayi FC,

Hope Of Glory FC,Nordic FC,Sir Monty FC,Krane FC 

Vandresser FC,Onapal FC,Palm Syrup FC.

AKWA IBOM FA COMMENDS GOV ENO ON GOVERNOR'S CUP SUCCESSES, CONSTITUTE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

The Executive Board of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association has expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Governor , Pastor Umo Eno for sponsoring  the just concluded 2023/2024 Governor's Cup Football festival in the state and the Ministry of  Youth  and Sports Development for the tremendous support for the programmes of Football Association in the state.

This was part of the board's communique after their maiden meeting in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital 

The Executive Committee thanked the President of the Nigerian Football Federation ( NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and the South /South Nigeria Football Federation Board Member who is also the Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom on Sports Development, Rt Hon Nse Essien for joining hands to resolve the leadership crisis of the state Football Association 

The Executive Committee also expressed kudos to the immediate past members of Akwa Ibom State Football Normalisation Committee for holding what it described as a rancour free and successful election of the  Akwa Ibom State Football Association 

The Committee further appreciated football stakeholders in the state, NUJ, SWAN and other partners for their contributions and support to the Association.

The Samuel Umoh led FA Board resolved to synergies with the State Government in promoting and developing sports from the grassroot and to ensure that the state owned football teams perform remarkably well in the various leagues and promised to do it utmost best to raise the standard of football in the state.

Also, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association made the following appointment for her Communications Department, they are, Comrade Uwem Ekoh- Print Media, Theophilus Udo- Electronic Media, Mfoniso Williams-New Media and Nsidebe Akpan- New Media.

AKSFA ELECTORAL COMMITTEE PROMISES FREE, FAIR , CREDIBLE STATE ELECTIONS COME APRIL 26

The Electoral Committee of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association has concluded the screening of aspirants vying for the various elective positions in the April 26 State executive board elections.

A total number of number twelve aspirants took part in the exercise at the conference hall of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Two were screened for the FA chairmanship position, two for the position of vice chairman while eight persons are interested in being Board members.

Speaking at the end of the exercise, the Chairman of the electoral committee, Hon. Saturday Akpan commended the aspirants for conducting themselves properly during the screening, and added that such is expected before, during and after the election on Friday, April 26.

He said in line with the election time-table, the list of successful candidates will be published tomorrow Friday, April 19 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and Uyo Township Stadium, assuring that the electoral committee is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible exercise.

One of the aspirants, Comrade Felix Udo who spoke on behalf of the screened aspirants thanked the Electoral Committee for a job well done, he said they were satisfied with the electoral process so far, expressing confident that the State FA election will be free, fair and credible.

Present at the screening exercise were the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Football Normalization Committee, Otuekong Bonny Nyong and members of the electoral committee, Elder Ini Edoho, Elder Eno Etukudoh, Dr. Promise Etim, Barr. Peter Akpan, Bassey Ibiatisuho and Anietie Ferdinand.

ANXIETY MOUNT AS IBOM BEACH SOCCER SUPER FOUR HOLDS ON FRIDAY, 29 MARCH

Four beach soccer clubs from Essien Udim, Ibeno, Nsit Ibom and Etinan local government areas of Akwa Ibom state are set to battle for supremacy on who emerged champions of 2024 IBOM Beach soccer in the state.

Slated for Friday 29 March, 2024 at the Afe Mbre, Eelse Himaya site, Nkwot in Nsit Ibom local government area will witness the selection of players to represent Akwa Ibom state at the national Beach soccer league holding in Benin Kebi from 10-13 of April 2024.

In a statement signed by coach Akaimo King and coach Otobong EKANEM, the four clubs are; Victory Beach soccer Club, Elite ballers beach soccer Club, Ibom beach soccer Club and Future Hope Beach soccer Club.

The duo explained that the second face of the national League will take place in Anambra state and the third face will be in Lagos or Abuja, while the last face will be held in Kaduna state.

The statement call on the chairmen of the four qualified teams to mobilize fans to turn out en-mass to support their clubs as well as support the development of Beach Soccer in Akwa Ibom state.

WHY AKWA UNITED APPOINT BABAGANARU HEAD COACH

Fresh from a credible four points from two away matches against Gombe United and Plateau United, the Management of Akwa United Football Club have confirmed an end of season contract with coach Muhammed Babaganaru.

Already in Uyo to help add quality to the technical crew of the 2021 champions, the two-time league winner with Kano Pillars is "delighted to join a team with great football tradition and wonderful management".

The Chairman of the club Elder Paul Bassey said it was a privilege having coach Babaganaru in Akwa United.

"We took a while to contact a gaffer after the departure of coach Fatai Osho because we wanted one of the best.

"When coach Babaganaru left Gombe United, we moved in and convinced him out of his desired rest to help us fight the drop.

"In doing so, we will forever be grateful to coach Umar Abdullahi and his colleagues for a difficult assignment that has started yielding fruits. Coach Umar is a young coach to watch".

The Chairman also spent time congratulating the players for the spirit of dedication, focus and determination they are currently putting in, to return Akwa United to where they rightfully belong.

Elder Bassey urged the supporters of the club to continue to support the team that has severally brought honour to the football loving people of the state.

Coach Muhammed Babaganaru is one of the most experienced gaffer in the domestic football industry having won the NPFL title with Kano Pillars. He had previously worked with Nasarawa United, Wikki Tourists, Lobi Stars and El-kaneni Warriors.

PUPILS, STUDENTS PRAY FOR AKWA UNITED FC AS FRIENDS AND FANS TAKE RESCUE MISSION TO SCHOOLS

The International coordinator of friends and fans of Akwa United FC ,pastor Otuekong Ikpeme, has taken operation rescue Akwa United FC mission to schools in Uyo and Ibesikpo Asutan local government areas.

Speaking in one of the schools, Freenachill Montessori schools, Pastor Ikpeme said the decision is the help creat more awareness, boast the fan base of Akwa United FC and as well encouraged pupils and students to go in and actively participate in sports.

The International coordinator attributes the away point Akwa United got from Gombe United to the continues prayers of the fans and solicit for     from the students as Akwa United travel to Jos this weekend to face Plateau United.

Pastor Ikpeme who is also the secretary of Uyo local  football council, expressed optimism that with the two home victories and the away point Akwa United will end the season well.

Our sports correspondents report that pupils and students of the schools visited Prayed for Akwa United successes in both the league and in the federation cup.

Pastor Ikpeme who led Uyo and Ibesikpo Asutan executive of friends and fans of Akwa United on the visit made sports kits donations and financial support to boast sports infrastructure in the schools

AKWA UNITED VS ENYIMBA RIVERY: FRIENDS AND FANS MOBILIZE 300FANS TO CHEER AKWA UNITED TO VICTORY... APPRECIATE GOVT ON RETURN OF CLUB TO UYO

Friends and Fans of Akwa United have mobilized no fewer than three hundred supporters to cheer Akwa United football club of Uyo to victory against nine times champions Enyimba on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium.

Speaking to some sports correspondents in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital, the international coordinator of the group, Pastor Otuekong Ikpeme, said friends and fans of Akwa United have made arrangements for coaster buses to convey both their members and other football lovers to cheer the promise keepers to victory against Enyimba international of Aba in match day twenty three of the Nigeria premier football League.

Tagging the programme "operation rescue Akwa United" Pastor Otuekong Ikpeme, listed some of the locations for pickup of interested person to include; Etinan roundabout, Ikot Ekpene stadium, Eket stadium amongst others.

"We have decided as a group of passionate persons to embark on a rescue mission to ensure that our own state darling team, Akwa United turn their fortunes around by winning Enyimba convincingly on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium.

We are looking at mobilizing over 300 fans from our own end to cheer Akwa United to victory in all their home matches starting from match day twenty three".

The international coordinator of friends and fans further applaud the state government through the commissioner of youth and sports development and the management of Akwa United football club for returning Akwa United back to the Godswill Akpabio International stadium to complete their remaining home matches.

According to pastor Ikpeme, returning Akwa United to complete the season in Uyo will not only save cost of majority of fans transporting themselves down to Eket for matches but will encourage larger turn out of football lovers that will also motivate the players to be on top of their game.

AKWA UNITED FRIENDS AND FANS INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR, PST IKPEME SUE FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR AKWA UNITED

The international coordinator of friends and fans of Akwa United, pastor Otuekong Ikpeme, has appeal to football lovers in Akwa Ibom state and in the diaspora to continue supporting and praying for Akwa United despite the recent challenges.

The coordinator of the group whose membership span across the globe made the appeal shortly after match day twenty two of the Nigeria premier football League between sporting Lagos and Akwa United in Lagos.

Otuekong Ikpeme said for the fact that the 2020/2021 champions have lost all three matches upon resumption of the second stanza, stakeholders and fans should not be weary in supporting the club  so as to enable them end the season well.

"What is happening with Akwa United in recent matches calls for concerns but I want to appeal we should be more steadfast in supporting our darling team.

This is the only way we as friends and fans of the club can support the team to end well this season and also win the soon to be played federation cup that will take us back to the continent".

In the match yesterday, the promise keepers through  Suleiman Sani in the 50th minutes silence the host with a fantastic goal but were not able to maintained the lead as sporting Lagos scored two quick late goals to smile home with the victory.

With the result, Akwa United occupy the 18 position on the log with 21 points from 22 matches and will this weekend host Enyimba FC at the Eket township stadium by 4pm.

The defeat keeps Akwa United 18 on the log with 21 points from 22 matches and they return to Eket to face Enyimba in match day 23 this Sunday by 4pm.

GIANT STRIDES OF A QUINTESSENTIAL NSIT UBIUM SON

The world over, it is believed that God preserves humanity regardless of it's numerous misdemeanor because at any period there are individuals who, without being aware of their role, redeem mankind.

This fits Engr. Patrick Sam Udoh,  a man driven by love for humanity and given to philanthropy. Unassuming and without guile, Engr. Patrick is committed to bettering the fortunes of the good people of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area and beyond.

It is worthy of note that Engr. Patrick Sam's humanitarian and visionary strides cuts across different spheres of social development which includes; Youth and Women Empowerment, as well as special care for the elderly citizens.

Engr. Patrick Sam Udoh, during the just concluded yuletide season, put smiles on the faces of the youth of Itreto Ward via Itreto Football Unity Cup Competition, which happened to be the first of it's kind in Itreto Ward. He has so far doled out cash, Motorcycles and Mini Buses to youths of Nsit Ubium extraction in a bid to support their livelihood and as well aid them to shun anti social activities.

Also, widows, widowers and orphans are not left out of the philanthropic strides of Engr. Udoh, as he has consistently ensured that their welfare remains top in his humanitarian service with monthly financial assistance and periodic material support to children of these widows and widowers.

To ensure that there's peaceful cohabitation in the land, Engr Patrick Sam Udoh, took a bold step by facilitating the restoration of peace in the 64 villages in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area as a way of sustaining the government's peaceful drive in the state.

To support Pastor Umo Eno's intentional approach to education and ensure a friendly school atmosphere in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, this proud son of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area has invested so much in helping schools to have their sporting arenas well equipped and the football fields grass cut and marked for pupils and students to inculcate the spirit of sports as they grow and choose their career in life.

Still in the area of education, Engr. Udoh, earlier this year embarked on the provision of sign post to both Government Primary and Secondary Schools in Atan, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area as part of his contribution to the development of Nsit Ubium LGA.

 

Time and space will fail me if I am to chronicle the foot print of this colossus here,  but for the time being, kindly use the aforementioned humanitarian stride as a testament of Engr. Patrick Udoh's commitment towards bettering the fortunes of the good people of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area despite not holding a political office whether by election or appointment.