By Daily Sports on January 4, 2016

Akwa United Football Club is the official team of Akwa Ibom State just like Enyimba International and Abia Warriors are to Abia State, Kano Pillars to Kano State, Warri Wolves to Delta State, Shooting Stars to Oyo State, Rangers International to Enugu State, Sunshine Stars to Ondo State, Nasarawa United to Nasarawa State, Sharks and Dolphins to Rivers State, etc. Note that governments at the Federal and State levels fund football here.

However, this article will zero in on Akwa United FC. As the headline implies, it is one team going to the continent that is in my heart. The reason though not far-fetched, would be subject for discussion another time. The team has come a long way in the history of Nigerian domestic league. Though Akwa United cannot easily be categorised as one of the oldies in the scene, its founding fathers who natured it at the early stages must be commended for their foresight because without such vision from the beginning, there won’t be a team like Akwa United FC today.

This write-up will also not lose sight of various governors that supported the vision during their reign. Truly they were the catalysts that propelled the club to this height today. To the coaches, team officials and the boards that have superintended the team till date I say: “You were all wonderful; without your selfless services there would be nothing like Akwa United FC, the undisputed champions of the oldest Federation competition in the land – the Federation Cup 2015. You are all in my heart of heart for your technical, tactical and administrative acumen. Well done wherever you may be!”

Let me confess that the kind of renowned vigour and push the last administration of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio extended to the team in all its ramifications brought about the sterling result of today. His massive sports infrastructural development that cuts across all facets of sports in the state and senatorial zones remains the force behind all we are witnessing today in Akwa Ibom State sports arena. He capped it all with that magnificent edifice of stadium named Ibom International Stadium ‘The Nest of Champions’ – fitted with the very latest  ultra-modern equipment obtainable only in arenas of highest  global standard. To put it mildly, it remains one in town. The administration set a very high bar and Akwa United FC iced the cake by winning a continental football ticket, precisely the CAF Confederation Cup. That fate will attract international attention to the state with her rich culture and glittering sporting cum football monument.

Senator Akpabio no doubt crafted his name and that of the government he watched over for eight solid years with equally compact achievements in gold.

Let me confess that I shed tears while watching the incumbent Executive Governor of the State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, while he was charging the boys on the need to bring the trophy home. I was nearly tempted  to conclude that His Excellency must have being a Team Manager before now judging from the expert manner with which he passed his message to the team and it worked wonders. “Go and win the trophy and leave the rest to me,” he told the boys during the 2015 Federation Cup final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Pronto, the trophy was delivered to him accordingly and like the action, sports-loving State Chief Executive that he is, Emmanuel has since done the needful for the entire squad.

Back to Senator Akpabio, even during the build-up to the finals of the Federation Cup, he lent his active support to the team. He was present to cheer the team to victory. In short, his company with Governor Udom gave lots of impetus to the team’s moral.

Let me confess that I further shed tears of joy when the duo of Governor Udom and Senator Akpabio held the trophy. The solidarity was total and dripping. It was a lesson in character. They proved real formidable sons of Akwa Ibom State. I salute their courage in bringing glory to the state, its first in football since the creation of the state.

One must also put on record the enviable role of the Commissioner of Sports, Chief Monday Uko, before, during and after the Federation Cup final showdown. He was a pillar too ensuring that all what Governor Emmanuel Udom gave the team was channeled accordingly.

He showed gritty and patriotism to ensure that the spirit of the team was at the optimum by being at their service despite his high office. To be candid, Uko set example how to do this job to achieve the set target. “It was a collective project dear to the heart of the government and people of the state which every loving sons and daughters of the State joined hands resolutely to execute to the logical conclusion,” he was quoted to have said.

Now every other good thing that enhanced this first football honour to Akwa Ibom State is now history. The focus is on how the club will compete successfully in the African Club tournament. One must say that the management has started well by engaging Maurice Cooreman, a Belgiam who has traversed the nook and crannies of the country coaching teams.

It is useful to note that despite his nomadic nature, he is a good hand. He is experienced in the game technically and tactically. It will be safe to say that he has good knowledge of African football and Akwa United FC is in respectable hands. He is also disciplined and no nonsense technical hand. It is believed that as the management went for this worthy coach in Maurice so also it has gone for some of the best and experienced legs the NPFL can afford. That is the key to doing well in continental assignment.

From the body language of Governor Udom, he and his government are youths and the young  development friendly, he been demonstrating that and will not hesitate to support Akwa United FC in her bid to do the State and the country proud.  Who said the team cannot bring the elusive trophy no Nigerian club has won home if thorough home work is done, if the club recruits the type of players that can deliver, Why not. The other name of doing magic in the championship of this magnitude is extra motivation of the players and their officials.

It is the ardent belief of SPORTS PULSE that if the Akwa United FC management were able to perform their task systematically, the squad after the heart of the State government and the entire people of the State will go all out to not only announce her strong presence amongst the teams competing in the CAF Federation Cup but would also prepare further to grab the trophy.  Go, Akwa United FC go! It is doable. Good enough the team has the full backing of Governor Emmanuel Udom’s youths and the young ones friendly programmes.

Viva, Akwa United FC!

•Enyinnaya can be reached via 08055068145 (sms only) or by e-mail via sportzvictor@yahoo.com.au

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 4, 2016

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