Coach Obuh Optimistic Of Victory Against Sunshine Stars

By MFON PATRICK

Following a run of four draws and one defeat in their opening five matches of the 2019/2020 NPFL season,  Akwa United Head Coach John Obuh has revealed that his team is on a redemption mission in Akure this weekend as they prepare to engage Sunshine Stars on matchday 6.

Coach Obuh's team has dropped four points from two successive home games against Katsina United and Nasarawa United and they are yet to record a win this season. But the tactician believes that "it's time for a turn around".

"Sincerely speaking, we are not comfortable with our position on the log, four draws from five games is not encouraging. What we are passing through at the moment is just a phase and I believe it's time for us to turn things around.

"It is encouraging to see that the NPFL is fast developing and we are motivated by the fact that teams are winning games away from home and we believe that ours will come this weekend" said Coach Obuh.

The Promise Keepers have scored three goals and conceded five in their opening five matches and they are 14th on the log. They will be expecting their first win of the season against Sunshine Stars who are placed 12th on the log with 5 points.

According to Coach Obuh, "the season is still very young and it will be a long campaign. The good news is that we have been able to identify our weak points and we will continue to work hard to ensure we get it right".

A team of 18 players including one-time league top scorer Akarandut Orok, former NPFL winner Itodo Akor and former U17 goalkeeper Bassey Akpan as well as some key officials of the club are on the trip to Akure for the crucial game.

The Promise Keepers have recorded three wins,  three draws and suffered two defeats in their last eight meetings against Sunshine Stars. They have also scored twelve goals in those eight matches against this weekend's opponents.

 The last time the two teams met in the NPFL was in April 2018, where goals from Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Victor Mbaoma secured a 2-1 win for the two-time Federation Cup Champions in Uyo.

Kwara United FC Takes Over Delta Force in Nigeria professional football league

After just a match in the 2019/2020 Nigeria National League (NNL), Kwara United Football Club are back in the elite league, with the acquisition of the slot of Delta Force Football Club in the top flight.

Delta Force officially acquired Kada City of Kaduna state before the star of the current Premier League season, and may be finding it difficult adjusting to the rhythm in the top flight.

The deal was sealed today, after a thorough discussion between the management of the two sides in Delta State, with the General Manager of Kwara United FC, Bashir Badawiy leading the club's charge in Delta State.

Confirming the development to journalists in Ilorin this evening, the club's Chairman, Clement Olakumbi Titiloye said that the club is fully aware of the challenge of doing so, adding that it's a development that the stakeholders will also want to support.

Titiloye therefore commended the state government, under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the support and encouragement, calling on the stakeholders to adjust to the latest system and challenge.

'We are conscious of the challenges that will come with this massive decision, but we know it's a situation that is redeemable, as the NPFL is just starting', he said.

Delta Force are currently in the 17th position on the NPFL table with four points after five matches, winning just a game, drew one and lost three matches, and with minus five goal difference.

Kwara United FC got relegated at the end of last season, and was drawn in Group A2 of the on-going Nigeria National League alongside Niger Tornadoes, FC Taraba, Sokoto United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Gombe United, Yobe Desert Stars, Rarara FC, Mighty Jets, EFCC and Real Stars, and they played their first match against Gombe United FC in Ilorin, which they won by a lone goal.

The team will continue from Week Six, after formal registration of the club following the take-over.

PICTURE CAPTION:

Chairman of Delta state Sports commission  chief Tonobok Okowa, General Manager of kwara United FC, Bashir Badawiy, Executive Secretary of the Club Owners Association of Nigeria, Alloy Chukwuemeka, Director General  Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Victor Onogagamue, representative of Delta FA and and others.

AKWA United Poor start : Elder Bassey Warns Doom Prophets,says club's Technical crew Best In Nigeria

The Management of Akwa United Football Club Uyo has asked its teeming Supporters and loyal fans to have patience and faith in the ability of the team to turn things around by the grace of God.

Elder Paul Bassey, Chairman of the Club in an interview with the Club’s media department said, what is happening to Akwa United is not
strange in football and should not attract premature condemnation and hasty conclusions. “Tending towards the negative”.

“Since the advent of the Governor Udom administration, Akwa United has become the State’s sports flagship, flying high Akwa Ibom’s flag to the delight of all”. The Chairman said.

The history of Akwa United in the last four years has been one of pride and consistent
glory and this is not about to change.

 “The results we have garnered in the last five matches are not in consonance with all the support we have received from Governor Udom
Emmanuel and the good people of Akwa Ibom State and we are poised to reward him in tandem with our God given culture of success.

  “Our Sports Commissioner, with a passion for excellence and belief in Akwa United deserves our compensation.

  “Not forgetting our loyal fans who have invested their emotions in us. For five weeks, they have been stressed. We promise redemption”.

   The Akwa United boss reiterated his belief in the Almighty, “We surrendered this team to God and He will not allow us see shame for
His name sake”.

He called for constant prayers, patience and belief.  “We went for some of the best legs in the league, supported by an array of budding
youth of Akwa Ibom State origin who daily strive to touch glory.  “Our technical crew is one of the best, if not the best”.

  He was all praise for the current run of success of Dakkada FC. “I thank this government for giving Akwa Ibom State a choice, and for more youths the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage”.

“For those who have called, sent text messages and prayed for us, God will answer our prayers”.

  He advised those he termed “Prophets of doom” to hold their breadth and think positive, and stop celebrating what they term the downfall of individuals as Akwa United belongs to Akwa Ibom State, and by
implication, all of us.

  The Promise Keepers are away to Sunshine Stars of Akure this weekend in Match Day 6 of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Akwa Ibom Community Sues For Unity, showcases Culture In Abuja

Mr. Aniefiok Ibah, President of Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, has called for unity among the various groups in the state to enhance peace, progress and prosperity in the state

Ibah made the call in his address at the maiden edition of the Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta in Abuja on Saturday

The theme of the fiesta is “Celebration the Culture that unites us.”

He said: “We need to guard our loins against negative propaganda, Pull Him Down(PHD) syndrome, blackmail, socio-political backstabbing and other tendencies that tend to threaten the fabrics of our unity.

“Akwa Ibom is a uni-cultural state where norms, taboos, customs and traditions are the same. Our folkways may vary from one ethnic grouping to another but the operational norms of the culture are the same.

“As the umbrella body of indigenes of Akwa Ibom residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), we have recorded enormous achievements in the past 31 years ago that the group was established.“

He said the FCDA had given the group approval to commence the construction of its 12-storey building, on a 5,000-square metre at Jahi District, to be known as ‘Ibom Bowl’ when completed.

“Other achievements are the formation of ’Ibom Choral Voices’ toward preserving our rich culture, through songs, ballad, local dance, costumes among others. “

He said that the 2019 Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta in Abuja was initiated by the community in the FCT

Mr Edwin James, Liaison Officer of the Akwa Ibom Liaison office Abuja, who represented the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel said that the fiesta had brought unity among the Akwa Ibom people.

“This has gone to show that all of us in Akwa Ibom are one. I want to thank the organisers of this event and the 10 Federal Constituencies for coming together for this culture fiesta, “ he said.

Also speaking, Mr Ekpo Nta, Chairman of the occasion, represented by Dr Ime Umoh said “we are governed by cultural norms which are the pillars of any society.“

He said stressed that “If these pillars are not properly followed in our society, our culture will resemble a perfume with no smell.

“I believe that after this programme, the bond of unity, love and fruitfulness will prosper in us in Jesus’ name.

“I want to encourage all of us to show one another, love, and kindness and contribute positively to the development of Akwa Ibom.

“Whether you reside in  Akwa Ibom, Abuja, Lagos or anywhere in the world, please do not abandon your culture.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Ita Enang, during unveiling of the symbol of the Akwa Ibom Culture Fiesta congratulated the leadership of the community.

“Even though we belong to different political parties, we are all one; if you are at the Federal level, support APC and bring development to Akwa Ibom.

“If you are in PDP at the state level, support the PDP to move the state forward,“ he urged.

Highpoints of the occasion were cultural dances, parade by the 10 Federal Constituencies from the state, March pass by Akwa Ibom women, youth corps members and inspection of different delicacies from the constituencies.

No fewer than seven masquerades also put up scintillating cultural performances to the admiration of guests and participants at the occasion.

Awards of Excellence were also given to some dignitaries at the event.

The fiesta attracted cultural enthusiasts from the diplomatic community, FCT and other states of the federation.

Michael Ibe Set To Destroy Delta Force Tomorrow

As Match Day 5 of the Nigeria Professional Football League makes a return tomorrow, all eyes will be on Delta State as Delta Force may have sleepless night over new sensational in the NPFL Michael Ibe as his side Plateau United will be guest at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

This is coming on the hill that he had a man of the match performance in Lafia against Nasarawa United before heading to Asaba.

Ibe who has proven that he is not only good in the middle of the park has so far helped in providing two assist this season for the Jos based team and has demonstrated that if he continues this way, Plateau United will be on the road to lift the NPFL title.

Despite carving a niche for himself, he is also a threat to defenders as he takes them on with his sincilating dribbling skills.

The 2017 Aiteo Cup Champion will hope to have his second consecutive start to the season even as he hope his team Plateau United maintain their unbeaten run.

NNL POSTPONE VANDREZZER, JOSSY UNITED LEAGUE OPENER

Vandrezzer FC's league opening-day clash with Jossy United has been postponed indefinitely.

The newly-founded club were due to face Owerri-based Jossy United in Ikot Ekpene on Sunday, but they will have to wait for a new date for the game after the Nigeria National League authorities called off the game.

The fixture has been pushed back because Jossy United failed to complete their registration process.

Established in September, Ibiono-based Vandrezzer FC were looking forward to playing their first-ever league match against the Jossy side on Sunday.

However, due to the postponement, they'll have to wait until December 1 to get their league campaign underway.

On that day, Rafael Everton's side will travel to Delta State to play J. Atete.

AKWA IBOM SWAN 2019 ELECTIONS: Secretary Hopeful Promises Better Days For Members

As the clock ticks to the 2019 Akwa Ibom SWAN Elections, the politics and the politricks is gathering momentum with aspirants jostling to beat the deadline for the declaration of interest and sales of nomination forms.

The Latest is a top contending leading candidate vying to serve the association as the secretary *Comrade Theophilus Udo* who led his supporters and admirers to pick his form this morning.

Addressing his supporters shortly after picking the form in Uyo, Comrade Udo hinted that his decision to be in the race for secretary position which is said to be contested by four aspirants is borne out of the overwhelming demand from the majority of SWAN members in Akwa Ibom State to serve the association for the next three years as the engine room.

" I am not contesting this election by myself, it is because of majority of members of SWAN that ask me to come out to help serve the association having gathered enough experience in the past Exco

I was left with no option to yield to their yearnings."

Speaking further the secretary hopeful said that he will be coming to change the face of association working hand in glove with the would be chairman as he possess over a decade experience in Sports Journalism.