The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akwa United

  • Joining Enyimba won’t affect my education -Udoh

    Joining Enyimba won’t affect my education -Udoh

    Akwa United top scorer last season, Mfon Udoh, has stated that his recent switch to two-time African champions, Enyimba, won’t affect his programme at the University of Uyo.

    Udoh is one of the few undergraduates in the Glo Premier League, who have since become role models for their colleagues.

    “It won’t be different from my two-year spell at Akwa United. Football takes a lot of time, but it also mean I’ll devote more time to my books,” Udoh, who was dropped from Nigeria’s CHAN 2014 bound squad, told supersport.com.

    Udoh earned a place in the history books at Akwa United when he scored 16 goals during the 2012/13 season to finish as club top scorer.

    Although he lost the golden boot to Nasarawa United’s Victor Namo, Udoh turned out as the only player to score five goals during road trips last term.

    It would be recalled that Super Eagles number one goalkeeper,Vincent Enyeama did the same successfully when he was at Enyimba by combining his education at the University of Uyo and playing for the Aba Elephants.

    Udoh is studying Guidance and Counselling at the University of Uyo.

  • Akwa United embark on Christmas recess

    Akwa United embark on Christmas recess

    Uyo based side Akwa United FC playing staff and technical crew have been told to take the festive period off having just resumed preparations for the new Globacom NPFL season under a new technical adviser last month by the club’s hierarchy.

    Club head coach Patrick Udo in a chat with futaa.com confirmed that its players and coaching staff have been told to take the festive period off and spend quality time with their respective families.

    Udo also added that the players and coaching staff are expected return to the club on January 2, 2014 for early preparations towards putting his team in good shape for the upcoming NPFL season which is expected to start in February.

    Since taking over the reins of the club following the dismissal of former boss Justin Tenger, Udo who is still intimating with his new squad has guided the club to a handful of victories in practice games which is aimed at affording him the opportunity to access his squad and make reinforcement where necessary.

    Having managed to escape relegation and retain top flight status last season, the new man in charge will hope to put together a formidable squad that can compete for honours in the upcoming season to avoid the blood rush of the previous campaign.

    The team finished in 16th spot with 51 points after 38 matches last season, managing just 14 wins, nine draws and 15 losses to see off competition from Kwara United, ABS FC, Wikki Tourists and Shooting Stars.

  • Mfon Udoh quits Akwa United for Enyimba

    Prolific Akwa United forward Mfon Udoh has ended his romance with Akwa United to sign for nearby neighbours Enyimba international of Aba.

    The 20-year old pacey forward, who played a vital role in Akwa United’s survival in the Glo Premier League last season, has put pen to paper on a one year deal with the People’s Elephant.

    He will hope to bring his impressive performance for Akwa last season into the Zacary Baraje-led side as they aim for honours both in the domestic front and on the continent.

    Udo, who is currently in the Super Eagles camp in preparation for the 2014 CHAN competition in South Africa next year, scored 16 league goals to finish second on the Glo League top scorers’ chart last season.

    The forward becomes the recent audition made by Baraje after the signing of Niger Republic defender Bashir Mohammed last week.

    Meanwhile, the Aba Landlords are reportedly hot on the heels of home-based Eagle and Lobi defender Ezekiel Bassey as the club continue to strengthen for the tough season ahead.

    Ezekiel, who has been one of the mainstays in the back four of Lobi Stars, can also fill in comfortably in the heart of defence if there is a vacuum.

  • Akwa United retain 21, drop 15 players

    Akwa United retain 21, drop 15 players

    Akwa United have asked 15 players to search for new clubs ahead of the 2013/2014 league season, while retaining only 21 out of the 36 players that were with the Uyo side last season.

    Akwa United’s spokesman, Uwem Ekoh told SportingLife that the players released were told to go due to low productivity and indiscipline.

    He confirmed that new head coach, Patrick Udoh and his assistant have already resumed and have been mandated to raise a formidable team that would impress in the coming season.

    Ekoh pointed out that Akwa United would come back into the new season well drilled and raring to go.

    Udoh was recently appointed to take the place vacated by Justin Tenger, while Emmanuel King (Chief Coach, Moses Effiong (goalkeeper trainer), James Etokebe (Assistant Coach) and Aniefiok Uboh were appointed as physical trainers.

  • Tenger faults former boss Bassey

    Tenger faults former boss Bassey

    Former Akwa United coach, Justin Tenger has said he quit the side’s coaching job due to the heartless posture of the technical director, Charles Bassey.

    The veteran tactician decided to quit his job after he secured the sides position in the top flight league but decided to keep silent on the reason until the burial of his elder brother who died on the eve of the sides last game at Kwara United in Lokoja, Kogi State.

    The elder brother was finally interred to mother earth on Friday, November 08 in Adikpo ‘London’ in Benue State.

    Tenger said Bassey’s insensitivity to the pain in his heart following the elder brother’s demise quickened his decision to walk away from the Uyo-based side.

    “My elder brother died at the eve of our crucial last day match at Kwara United in Lokoja and I stayed to ensure we got the vital point that cemented our status quo in the Premier League and the only sympathy I could get from the technical director, Charles Bassey was a demand for the immediate submission of my technical report.

    “How heartless he was, and to further demonstrate their disdain and heartlessness over the tragedy that befell, me nobody from the side was at the graveside with me nor offered any financial support to me during and after the period my brother was lowered down to mother earth.

    “Bassey was the main reason why I left Akwa United, he made things unbearable for the other coaching crew. There was nothing he didn’t do to see the side go down to relegation so as to paint the coaches black.

    “I’m not the only coach that has suffered in his hands other past coaches have had something negative to say about him. I don’t know why he chooses to be a problem to every coach coming to the side. I defeated him in the FA Cup in 1997 as BCC Lions coach while he was in-charge of Mobil Pegasus of Eket.

    “I had open confrontation with him in our game at Kwara United in Lokoja over his overbearing behaviour. I think the sides management should consider him as coach if they find him suitable so as to spare the next coach the agony of his uncouth behaviour.

    “Now that my brother has been laid to rest, the world should know it was Bassey that made me leave Akwa United,” said the former Niger Tornadoes coach to supersport.com.

    Tenger will however want the side to offset the N2.4 million owed to him as well as his October salary to avoid a legal battle with him.

    “Since they’re heartless I’ll treat them that way, they must pay me the N2.4 million they’re owing me as well as my October salary, failure of which will propt me to drag them before the NFF Arbitration Panel. I’m available for any side who need my services, I just have a season to end my coaching career,” said the former Kwara United gaffer.

     

  • Akwa United retain 21 players

    Akwa United retain 21 players

    After escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth, the management of Akwa United will be retaining 21 of the players who prosecuted the 2012/2013 Glo Premier League season.

    The Uyo team’s spokesperson, Uwem Ekoh, disclosed the development to SportingLife on Wednesday.

    He said: “The players are expected to resume on November 12 to begin camping for the new season.

    “More so, the management team may be constituted next week, as the board stated that interviews for a new technical adviser will hold next week in Uyo.

    “A top management source close to the board of the club also hinted that qualified coaches interested in the job have been sending their resumes to the club chairman. The deadline for submission is on or before November 13.”

    Meanwhile, sports writers in Akwa Ibom State have re-elected Uwem Ekoh as the chairman of their association in the state.

    Ekoh defeated Lawrence Okorie by nine against two votes. The election which held on Monday in Uyo, the state capital was witnessed by the National Deputy Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ben Ogbemudia and National Vice President South-South, Justice Udousoro.

    The national officers in their separate remarks described the election as free and fair. They charged the new Executive Committee to carry every member along in their scheme of things.

    In his speech, Ekoh thanked members for re-electing him into office, promising to continue from where he stopped in order to move the body to greater height.

  • Ariwa shocked by Tenger’s resignation

    Ariwa shocked by Tenger’s resignation

    Akwa United defender, Emmanuel Ariwa has expressed shock at coach Justin Tenger’s resignation from the Uyo club.

    Although Tenger was known to be annoyed by a publication which reported his sack, his resignation took Ariwa by surprise.

    When asked of his reaction, Ariwa told supersport.com: “I am not aware he has resigned because we’ve been on holidays. However, I am shocked that he decided to leave. I am dumbfounded and speechless.

    “I read about him giving the club an ultimatum to retract a report about his dismissal, but I didn’t expect it to come to this. I’ll have to call him to find out what exactly happened.”

    The former Niger Tornadoes player said Tenger’s departure would be a big blow to Akwa United.

    “We may have battled relegation towards the end of the season, but you can’t blame the chief coach for that. We drew some matches we dominated out of carelessness, but we were able to get it right in the end. Tenger had built a strong side and would have been in the best position to fortify the weak aspects of the team. It may not be that easy for a new coach who may even decide to start all over,” he reasoned.

    Ariwa joined Akwa United last season from Bangladesh side, Sheikh Jamal during the mid-season break.

    Akwa United finished in 16th place in the NPFL, and reached the semifinals of the Federation Cup.

  • Warri Wolves want to win for fans

    Warri Wolves want to win for fans

    From Tunde Liadi,Owerri  Warri Wolves have advised ABS to concentrate on their survival battle than the club’s media outburst that they would beat the Seasiders today.

    The Ilorin side are convinced they would escape the drop after today’s round of matches and they have been speaking about it without let-up.

    But Warri Wolves’ media officer, Moses Etu has stated that ABS should forget about getting any point at the Warri Township Stadium today because the players have assured that they would beat their opponents to appease the fans for their disappointing display in the league this season.

    Etu disclosed that ABS came at the wrong time and that the Seasiders would not spare their visitors at all as they want to end the season with a flourish.

    “ABS should forget about getting a point at Warri. We are poised to beat them on Sunday (today). We are unconcerned about their media rant. It is so unfortunate they have come to Warri when we want to win this game for our fans.

    “They are still not happy with us that we lost at home to Akwa United. We are winning this game for them,” Etu said.

    Wolves are seventh with 52 points from 37 matches while ABS are 13th with 50 points from 37 games too.

  • Akwa United aim for points

    Akwa United aim for points

    Akwa United striker, Daudu Eboh, has thrown down the gauntlet to his teammates as they seek to escape the drop in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this season.

    The Promise Keepers have failed to win in their last seven league games against Nembe City, Enyimba, Nasarawa United, Enugu Rangers, Heartland, Sharks and Kano Pillars.

    The Uyo club are placed 19th in the NPFL standings with three rounds of matches to end the season and Eboh said their “remaining matches are must-win” if they must keep their top flight status.

    Eboh believes that Akwa United have been unlucky not to win in some games this season.

    “Yes that’s how it is for now but these three remaining matches are must-win for the club and all the players are focused and prepared to change the club’s position on the table.

    “A lot has happened and the players and management are all up now to do what it takes to win the three games left this season. Though we’ve not been lucky in some games but this time we will get it right,” Eboh told supersport.com.

    Akwa United begin their battle for survival at Warri Wolves on October 12 and Eboh is confident the game will be their “turning point” in a bid to escape the fall.

    “I came in the mid-season from Warri Wolves and you know we are playing our next game in Warri so that will be the turning point for Akwa United.

    “Warri Wolves is my club but I need Akwa United to stay in the top division because I love the club like my own personal team. But you’ll hear the result (against Wolves) trust me,” the Akwa United man said.

  • Rangers happy to beat Akwa Utd

    Rangers happy to beat Akwa Utd

    • Thrash the Uyo side 3-1 at Enugu

    Enugu Rangers gained a measure of revenge over Akwa United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium yesterday after they inflicted a 3-1 win over the Uyo side.

    Two first-half goals from Ugonna Uzochukwu in the 23rd and 32nd minutes put the Flying Antelopes on the path of victory before Christian Obiozor scored the third in the 61st minute. Mfon Udoh continued his impressive goals scoring form when he netted what turned out to be his club’s consolation goal.

    Rangers are now on 48 points from 32 games. They moved to 5th on the spot in the process while Akwa United remained on 42 points.

    Rangers’ director of media and publicity, Foster Chime told SportingLife that the Flying Antelopes’ defeat to Akwa United showed the club did not deserve to lose in the round of 16 Federation Cup tie to the Uyo side but that they only experienced an off day on the day of the tie.

    He said Rangers would continue to maintain the same consistency till the end of the season and strive to make a late charge towards a continental slot.

    “We are happy with this victory. The players knew what was at stake and they came all out to play for the club and for their career. We can still qualify for the continent. We will continue with this form till the end of the season and see what we are going to get,” Chime said.