2025/2026 NNL Match Day 13 Preview: Akwa United FC Ready for Lower League Challenge, Says Coach Offor

Posted : 16 November 2025

Akwa United Football Club will kick off their Nigeria National League campaign with a home match against Solution FC at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 16, as they seek an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The crucial encounter, scheduled for 3:00 pm, will mark the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides.

The Promise Keepers—champions of the Nigeria Premier League in 2021 and FA Cup winners in 2015 and 2017—were relegated last season.

However, the team has undergone significant managerial and technical restructuring, resulting in a completely rebuilt squad under Head Coach Paul Offor, who has recruited young, committed, and energetic players determined to fight for the badge.

Assessing his team’s readiness for the season opener, Coach Offor expressed delight with the quality and character of the squad, noting that the players possess the experience and skill needed to achieve success this season.

“Permit me to say that I am impressed with the players I have for this season. After months of working with some of the best and most talented players during the screening phase, we have carefully selected those we believe can represent this great club.

“We have established a clear pattern of play and participated in several friendly matches, which allowed us to assess the boys in real match situations.

“I can boldly say that we are ready for this match against Solution FC and well-prepared to face any team this season.

“Our goal is to take Akwa United back to where the club truly belongs—the Nigeria Premier Football League. The players understand the task ahead, and we, the coaches, are focused on guiding them through any challenges that arise.

“We believe we have a solid team, and I want my players to prove their worth while defending the club’s badge. We want our fans to enjoy memorable performances and have reasons to come out and cheer us to victory, because their support motivates us to give our best at all times.”

Two of the club’s most consistent performers from last season will lead the team: midfielder Ubong Essien, a 2021 league winner, will serve as captain, while former junior international and versatile defender Charles Etim will be his assistant.

Under the new management led by Joseph Eno, Akwa United has registered 34 players, all medically certified fit for the 2025–26 Nigeria National League season.

Akwa United will compete in Southern Conference B, which comprises ten clubs. Only the top team at the end of the season will earn promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

2025/2026 NNL Match Day 13 Preview: Akwa United FC Ready for Lower League Challenge, Says Coach Offor

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