WHY GOV UMO ENO IS HONOURING 2023 /2024 GOVERNOR'S CUP WINNERS LATE

By Bassey Ibiatisuho 

Ikot Abasi local government area will today, Thursday be rewarded with a prize money of Five Million Naira (N5,000.000.00) for emerging the champions of the 2023/24 Akwa Ibom State Governor's Cup competition.

The champions defeated favorites Uyo local government area 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, while Glorious Felix's goal was enough for Urue Offong Oruko to defeat Essien Udim one nil to clinch the bronze medal of the competition at the Uyo township stadium.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the recognition and reward of the teams by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, will take place during the ARISE Happy Hour and Evening of Rewards, to honor and reward individuals and groups who have excelled in their respective fields. 

Scheduled to hold at the Amphitheater, Udo Udoma Avenue Uyo by 6pm, with highlife king, Flavour as guest artiste, the event is designed to provide top-tier entertainment while showcasing the administration’s unwavering commitment to empowering and rewarding the people of Akwa Ibom for their hard work.

Recall that Governor Umo Eno who was represented at the Governor's Cup final by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi had announced the prize money of 5 Million to the winners, N3 Million to second place team and N2 Million to the third place team.

For the individual awards, Agada Daniel from Urue Offong Oruko emerged the Highest Goal Scorer with nine goals, Hossana Uyoh from Uyo was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the competition, Ikot Abasi goalkeeper, Blessed Iwok won the Best Goalkeeper while Essien Udim was voted the Best Behaved Team of the competition.

PRESIDENT FEDERATION CUP KICKS OFF IN UYO TODAY AS GODSWIL AKPABIO UNITED TACKLES REGNANT ACADEMY

The 2025 Akwa Ibom State President Federation Cup kicks off today Tuesday, February 4, 2025 with an exciting first-round clash between Godswill Akpabio United FC and Regnant Football Academy at the Uyo Township Stadium by 3pm., marking the beginning of the competition, which will see two teams qualify as Akwa Ibom State representatives for the National finals.  

Godswill Akpabio United FC, founded in 2024, are making their Federation Cup debut. Despite their recent establishment, they will be confident heading into the game, given their status as a Nigeria National League (NNL) side. With experienced ex-international Patrick Udoh at the helm, they will be aiming for a strong start in their first-ever Federation Cup campaign.  

On the other hand, Regnant Football Academy are featuring in the tournament for the second time. Their first appearance in 2023 ended with a 2-0 first-round defeat to FC ONE Rocket. Coach Hope Michael and his non-league side will be hoping to go one better this time by upsetting their more established opponents.  

This fixture is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Given the knockout format of the competition, there must be a winner at the end of the match. If the game ends in a draw after regulation time, it will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.  

The victorious team will move on to face the winner of Dakkada FC vs. Heavens Race Academy in the next round.  

It would be recalled that the 2025 Akwa Ibom State President Federation Cup draws features eight participating teams in the male category, and matches will continue onto the grand finale on February 23, 2025 With the top two teams from the competition earning spots in the National Federation Cup, representing Akwa Ibom State.  

With both sides eager to make an impression, the opening match promises an intriguing battle between a new force and an academy looking to prove its potential.