The Management of Akwa United Football Club has concluded plans to charge affordable gate takings during the club’s home matches in the coming 2022-23 Nigeria Professional Football League season.
Chairman of the club Elder Paul Bassey stated this during an interactive meeting held at the conference room of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium with sport journalists and other football stakeholders in the state.
According to Elder Bassey, ” Football is an expensive business to run and the current economic situation is really hitting hard and that the reason Akwa United matches will no longer be watched free from next football season.
“In the last five years Governor Udom Emmanuel in his magnanimity authorized fans coming in free to watch matches, unfortunately Government cannot do it all alone that is why we have consulted and have gotten permission to charge gate takings. It will not be much, our gate fee will be affordable and the proceeds from ticket sales will go a long way in helping us to manage this club properly.
“One thing we cannot run away from is that in the last five years we have done well as a club and we are determined to do even better next season. We are seriously planning for next football season and we will do all we can to avoid the bitter experience of last season”.
The club boss while soliciting for the support of all stakeholders also informed that the team has made some quality signings ahead of the new season and said that the team’s target is to challenge for all available honours.
Elder Bassey commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his unwavering support to the team and the sport sector in general and promised that the team will continue to bring glory and honor to the state.
“Akwa United a big brand today in club football circle in this country and we are determined to win the Nigeria Professional Football League title again, if not for anything but as a farewell gift to our dear Governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel who has invested in sport infrastructure which has helped in developing sports talents in the state and beyond”
He also expressed appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Sir Monday Uko for standing by the team always.