The Honourable Commissioner of Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has urged Akwa United to fulfil the mandate of Governor Pastor Umo Eno by securing promotion back to the Nigeria Premier League.
The call came during a courtesy visit by the club’s management, led by Chairman Joseph Eno, to the Commissioner’s office. Chairman Eno expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in the team and updated the Commissioner on the promising start to the 2025–26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
“We are here to thank you for the confidence you have reposed in us to lead this team. We do not take it for granted. We also wish to officially notify you that 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 said.
He reaffirmed the club’s commitment to returning Akwa United, one of Nigeria’s 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 Elder Ini Edoho, General Manager Jimmy Joshua, Head Coach Paul Offor, and Team Captain Ubong Essien, praised Commissioner Bassey for his visionary leadership and dedication to sports development. They described him as a father figure whose guidance motivates the club’s pursuit of success.
Commissioner Bassey congratulated the team on their strong start to the season and reaffirmed the ministry’s support for sports growth in Akwa Ibom State, aligned with Governor Eno’s Arise Agenda.
“I’m deeply touched by this visit, especially coming after such a brilliant start to the season. Last season was very difficult for the team on and off the pitch, and we do not want a repeat of that experience,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the management’s ability and urged unity and focus to deliver promotion. “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 Commissioner, including an autographed framed jersey from Head Coach Offor. Official club kits were also handed to the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rosemary Ubia.
Akwa United began 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.
Credit: Akwa United FC official statement
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