MFON PATRICK
Despite the novel Covid-19 truncated 2019/2020 season, and the
introduction of a “…contraption called PPG” Akwa United Football Club
is grateful to God Almighty and Governor Udom Emmanuel for sustaining
the Club as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian football
circle.
In an end of season message addressed
to Players, Management, Coaching crew and Staff of Akwa united
Football Club, Chairman of the Club and Senior Special Assistant to
the Governor on Sports, Elder Paul Bassey said, despite all odds,
Akwa United ended the league in the sixth position with its head held
high.
“Since the advent of the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, Akwa
United has been the club to beat. Two FA Cups in four years, with a
league standing not lower than fourth, except this year, when the
league was truncated with a whopping 13 matches to go.
“Akwa United is one of the very few clubs that has paid players
salary up to date. The welfare of players is primary. We are not
owing any bonus, we are not owing any player clearance fees. We thank
his Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel for a high level of governance
that has no comparison when it comes to service delivery and welfare
of workers in the State.
The Club chairman was also grateful to his Principal, the State
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Hon. Monday Ebong Uko for standing
by him at all times.
“We had a near calamity of a season drawing six matches and losing
one yet the Commissioner was positive that we will end well, and we
were in that trajectory drawing two away matches at a stretch until
Covid-19 struck.
“With an LMC document last week, officially calling for preparations
for the next season, we are in the process of recruiting players to
plug the holes of those that will leave us this month. Coach Boboye has been mandated to assemble a strong force that will
challenge for the league diadem next season”.
The Chairman thanked those players whose loan tenure and contracts
have ended and wished them well in their future plans.
Meanwhile an internal five man team has been constituted by the club
to tidy up all issues relating to the Club licensing requirements of
both CAF and LMC.
“There is no doubt that we have one of the best stadiums in Africa
and the best in Nigeria by a mile, yet we will double check to make
sure we are set to go,” the Chairman said, while inaugurating the
committee.
“The Nest of Champions in Uyo has ALL THE MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS of
CAF, yet I want you to double check and send in your report within a
week”, he charged.
The committee has the Team Manager Mr. Emmanuel
Udoh as Chairman. Other members are; the Club Secretary Mr. Omon
Bassey, the Welfare Officer Mr. Asuquo Samuel, and the Club
Psychologist Coach Ime Uko.
The team’s Media Manager Mr. Mfon Patrick will serve as Secretary.
