By Obaseki Anthony on November 29, 2019

Vandrezzer Football Club (Lions of Naija) of Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, have officially unveiled their coaches and players for the 2019/2020 Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) season.

Former FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Abia Warriors and Akwa United Brazilian tactician Rafael Everton was named as the Head Coach of the side, Israel Jose as first assistant coach and Daniel Japhet as second assistant coach.

The club also unveiled 30 players for the 2019/2020 campaign in the NNL, including former Akwa United players Daniel Ekpo and Christopher Lolo. 

Thompson Tetty was named as the captain of the side with Onyekachi Akakem and Rowland Mfon as first and second vice captain respectively.

The club, whose home ground is Ikot Ekpene Stadium, will begin their NNL campaign against Julius Atete FC of Delta State this weekend with the sole aim of gaining promotion into the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the 2020/2021 season.

The unveiling took place on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at St. Theresa School, Use Abat, Ibiono Ibom, in front of hundreds of fans, including dignitaries within and outside the state.

Amongst dignitaries present were the Proprietor of the club, Mr Joe Udofia; Executive Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Ekomabasi Akpan; Councillor Representing Ibiono Ibom Ward Four, Hon. Peter Donald; Councillor Representing Ibiono Ibom Ward Seven; Hon. Blessing Robert; as well as the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Hon. Emmanuel Iba.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of 10-year-old Godstime Emmanuel Essien as the official mascot of the club.

Fans were given an opportunity to interact with club officials and the club’s replica jerseys were distributed to all who were present.

Head Coach Rafael Everton expressed happiness returning to Akwa Ibom and working for Vandrezzer FC.

He said: “I’m so happy to return to Akwa Ibom to work for Vandrezzer FC. I have a target which is promotion to the NPFL for next season.

“I have worked for three teams in Nigeria and with these three teams, it has been top four finishes. I have never fought for relegation any season and I did a good job there.

“Here will be nothing different. I have brought 9-10 players and so many have worked with me before. We have strong teams in the NNL, we respect them but we are Vandrezzer FC, the Lions of Naija and I believe we will be promoted at the end of the season.”

Captain of the side Thompson Tetty thanked the management for the opportunity to serve, reechoing that the NPFL ticket is their target

“Thank you to the management of Vandrezzer FC, thank you Rafael Everton for this privilege and honour. We know the task ahead but as humans we will do our best and see where it takes us to which is the NPFL,” he said.

•PHOTO: Lions of Naija’s Brazillian tactician Rafael Everton

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 29, 2019

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