The Akwa Ibom State government has expressed its disappointment with the dismal performances of four football clubs in the state, prominently including Akwa United Football Club (Akwa Utd FC), which was relegated from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) at the end of the season.
The management boards of Dakkada Football Club (FGC), Ibom Youth Football Club (IYFC), and Ibom Angels Football Club (IAFC) have also been dismissed as the government reviews the teams’ performance during the 2024/25 league season.
Elder Paul Bassey, the Commissioner for Sports, announced the dissolution of the management teams during a meeting with club representatives in Uyo, the state capital. He directed that the chairmen and secretaries of the four clubs submit their handover notes to the ministry within two weeks.
Bassey stated that the decision was necessary as part of broader efforts to reposition sports in the state for greater success, in line with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda blueprint.
A new management structure will be established for all four teams, with the aim of preparing for the upcoming football season.
The commissioner expressed gratitude to the outgoing officials for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavours.
In response, Mr Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the state Football Association (FA), acknowledged that the just-concluded football season was challenging for all state teams. He commended the commissioner for taking decisive action to enhance the teams’ prospects in future seasons.
On behalf of the four clubs, Elder Omon Bassey, along with Coaches Aniedi Dickson, Edwin Okon, and Lawrence Iquaibom, expressed their appreciation to Elder Bassey for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed their commitment to football and sports development in the state.
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