Sports Commissioner Charges Akwa United FC on Return to Premiership Campaign

Posted : 29 November 2025

The Honourable Commissioner of Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has urged Akwa United FC to fulfill the mandate of the State Governor by returning the club to its rightful place in the Nigerian Premier League.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by the club’s management, led by Chairman Joseph Eno, to the Commissioner’s office. In his remarks, Chairman Eno expressed deep gratitude for the Commissioner’s trust in their ability to guide the team through the ongoing 2025–26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

“We are here to thank you for the confidence you have placed in us to lead this team. We do not take it for granted,” Eno said. “The 2025–26 NNL season has commenced, and we have made a promising start. It is our pleasure to invite you to all our home matches and to present these new jerseys to you as our top supporter.”

Eno reaffirmed the club’s commitment to restoring Akwa United—one of Nigeria’s most prestigious football clubs—to the top flight. “Akwa United is a big team in Nigeria, and we are determined to restore it to its rightful place by securing promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season,” he added.

Other members of the delegation, including Vice Chairman Ini Edoho, General Manager Jimmy Joshua, Head Coach Paul Offor, and Team Captain Ubong Essien, also thanked the Commissioner for his visionary leadership and contribution to sports development in the state, describing him as a father figure who continues to inspire the club’s quest for success.

In response, Commissioner Bassey congratulated the team on their impressive start to the season and reiterated the ministry’s commitment—aligned with Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda—to supporting sports growth in Akwa Ibom State.

“I’m deeply touched by this visit, especially following such a brilliant start to the season. Last season was very challenging for the team on and off the pitch, and we do not want a repeat of that experience,” the Commissioner said. He expressed confidence in the management’s capability and urged them to remain united and focused. “My advice is that you all work together as a team to ensure that you deliver an NPFL promotion ticket to His Excellency the Governor at the end of the season.”

The visit also featured the presentation of new home and away jerseys to the Honourable Commissioner. Head Coach Paul Offor additionally presented an autographed framed jersey. The club extended the gesture to the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, who received official club kits for the new season.

The Promise Keepers opened their 2025–26 NNL campaign with a 2–0 victory over Solution FC, followed by a narrow 1–0 win against Abakaliki FC. They will face Ekiti United this weekend in their first away match of the season.

Sports Commissioner Charges Akwa United FC on Return to Premiership Campaign

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics