UYO, Nigeria – A new football club, Godswill Akpabio United Football Club, has been officially established in Akwa Ibom State to foster grassroots football and provide opportunities for youth development.
Named after Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the club is preparing to participate in the upcoming 2024/2025 Nigerian National League (NNL), marking its entry into competitive football.
Registered with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and affiliated with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, the club is seen as a key initiative aimed at uniting local talent and showcasing the abilities of young players from the region.
The club’s General Manager, Kufre Inima, outlined the team’s mission to elevate Akwa Ibom’s youth by offering them a platform to display their talents on both national and international stages.
“Our main objective is to unite the youth of Akwa Ibom and provide them with opportunities that will expose their hidden potential,” Inima said.
He added that the club has ambitions to secure promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the coming season.
Inima also expressed the club’s commitment to collaborating closely with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association to achieve their goals. “We are working in synergy with the State FA to ensure we reach the NPFL next season,” he stated.
Support from the State Football Association
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh, lauded the initiative, commending the club’s leadership for their proactive approach in registering with the association. He urged the team to focus on recruiting skilled players and promised support to help the club succeed.
“We’re pleased to have Godswill Akpabio United FC affiliated with the State FA, and we will provide all the necessary backing to see the team excel,” Umoh said.
Senator Akpabio, who previously served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom, has long been recognized for his investment in sports infrastructure and youth empowerment programs.
During his tenure as governor, he spearheaded the construction of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, a world-class facility that hosted major events such as the 2014 African Athletics Championships.
The creation of Godswill Akpabio United FC is seen by many as an extension of his commitment to sports development in the region.
By establishing the club, Akpabio aims to provide young footballers with a pathway to professional careers and further promote the state’s presence on the national football stage.
With the club’s official launch, Akwa Ibom now has a new team dedicated to identifying and nurturing local talent, offering the region’s youth an opportunity to break into the competitive world of Nigerian football.
