Members of the newly elected Executive Board of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association have promised to give Akwa United Football Club all the needed support in their quest to escape relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League and also in their pursuit of winning the 2024 Presidential Federation Cup.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association Mr Samuel Umoh made the promise when he led other Board members of the State FA on a visit to Akwa United Football Club during the team’s training session at Uyo township stadium Thursday afternoon.
Mr. Umoh, a former player of Akwa United explained that the visit became necessary as it was the first time the newly elected Board was meeting with Akwa United and added that the current situation of the team calls for support from all sport’s stakeholders in the state.
“We are here to register our sentiment of support to our darling team, Akwa United Football Club. Many of us have had the opportunity of playing for this club and we have every reason as football managers in this state to stand up and show our support and encouragement to this team.
“This season has been tough but we still believe that the club has all what it takes to beat the drop. We trust in your capability, capacity and determination that the task ahead is surmountable and we are here to assure you all that the Football Association is solidly behind you and we will continue to offer you all the support and encouragement you need to make this state proud as you have done many times in the past.
“Our visit today is to encourage you with these packs of bottled water and to tell you to keep working hard in the remaining matches in the league. We also want to urge you to go all out in the FA Cup with the knowledge that winning the competition will guarantee this club a chance to play in the continent next football season”.
In his remarks, Chairman of Akwa United Elder Paul Bassey expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Football Association for their support and show of love to the team and assured them that the Management of the team will continue to work hard to ensure the team escapes the drop.
“On behalf of Akwa United I want to sincerely commend this wonderful gesture and show of support to us by the State Football Association, we don’t take this for granted. As a football club, water is of the essence and we appreciate this greatly.
“It’s a critical time in the history of this club and we thank you for identifying with us and for encouraging this team as we continue our push to end the season on a high. At this point in time, we need all the support we can get and as Management of this club, we will continue to put in our best effort to ensure we achieve our target of remaining in the NPFL at the end of the season”
Receiving the items, captain of the club Jean Efala thanked the State FA for donating to the club and assured that he and his teammates are committed and determined to defend the badge of the two-time FA Cup winners and 2021 League champions both in the league and in the Presidential Federation Cup competition this season.
With six matches to the end of the season, Akwa United are 18th on the log with 37 points and they will face Zamafara United Feeders team in the Round of 32 of the 2024 Presidential Federation Cup in Abuja next week Thursday.
