Paul Offor Set to Become Akwa United Head Coach Ahead of 2025/26 NNL Season

Posted : 04 August 2025

Former Sporting Lagos gaffer Paul Offor is on the verge of becoming Akwa United’s new head coach ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

Although the deal is not yet official, sources suggest it is in advanced stages, with only paperwork left before confirmation.

Offor, who most recently managed lower-league side Grassrunners FC, announced his departure via social media, expressing gratitude for his time at the club.

His expected appointment comes as Akwa United prepare for life in the NNL following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign that ended in relegation.

The move represents a fresh chapter for the Promise Keepers, who are eyeing a revival after a board shake-up and a carousel of managerial missteps.

Offor had previously signed with Kano Pillars after his departure from Sporting Lagos, but that deal was terminated before the 2024/2025 season commenced.

Akwa United endured a frustrating campaign last season, playing 38 matches and managing only 12 wins, 8 draws, and 18 losses.

The club’s downfall followed three unstable seasons marked by frequent managerial changes. Deji Ayeni, who replaced 2021 title-winning coach Kennedy Boboye, failed to lead the team to the NPFL Super Six.

His successor, Fatai Osho, also struggled, winning just 3 out of 13 matches. Mohammed Babaganaru temporarily revived the team in the 2023/24 season, steering them to 49 points and avoiding relegation. However, a poor start the following season—with only 4 wins in 16 matches—led to his dismissal.

In a desperate attempt, the club reappointed Boboye, but his second stint ended in disappointment as Akwa United were relegated, marking their worst league finish in years.

Off the pitch, significant restructuring is underway. Elder Paul Bassey, who led the club during its golden era—winning the NPFL title in 2021 and lifting two Federation Cups—was recently appointed Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports by Governor Pastor Umo Eno.

In his new role, Bassey oversaw the dissolution of the boards of all state-owned football clubs shortly after the season concluded.

While Akwa United currently operates without an official board, Bassey continues to supervise the club’s affairs under the jurisdiction of the state’s Ministry of Sports.

Paul Offor’s appointment is expected to usher in a new era as the club looks to regain its top-flight status and rebuild both on and off the pitch.

Paul Offor Set to Become Akwa United Head Coach Ahead of 2025/26 NNL Season

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics