By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
Two-time Federation cup champions Akwa United football club have officially unveiled her new head coach John Obuh and his assistant Duke Udi to tinker the club for the up coming 2019/2020 NPFL season scheduled to kick-off on November 3.
The Promise Keepers have also registered a total of 35 players for the 2019/2020 football league
At a colourful unveiling ceremony at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium in Uyo, the Promise keepers also presented 15 newly signed players to the media community, fans and supporters of the club.
The vastly experienced John Obuh featured for many top clubs including Abiola Babes, Udoji United, Julius Berger, Sharks FC, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba as a player. The Abia State born coach started his coaching career in 1994/1995 season as a coach-player with Enyimba of Aba. He has also worked with the National Under-17 team- the Golden Eaglets and the National Under-20 team- the Flying Eagles between 2008-2013.
Obuh has CAF B coaching license, English FA International coaching license, and German Football A license. His last assignment in the NPFL was with Kwara United in 2018 after helping the team gained promotion from the NNL. The tactician who has signed a 1 year contract with Akwa United has set a target of winning the NPFL title with the Uyo based side.
Also joining Akwa United’s technical crew for the new season is former Super Eagles, Grasshopper of Switzerland and Akwa United defender Duke Udi as the Deputy Head Coach.
Udi has previously worked as a coach with Giwa FC, Enugu Rangers, Sunshine stars amongst others. He has agreed a one year deal with the Promise Keepers.
In the playing department of Akwa United, the club has acquired 15 new experienced players for the up coming season comprising three goalkeepers, four defenders, four midfielders and four forwards players.
The players include three goalkeepers; Itodo Akor (El-Kanemi), Bassey Akpan (Sunshine Stars) and Adewale Adeyinka (Gombe Utd), while Defenders include Ekemini Ukoebe (Lori FC) Sampson Gbadebo (Rivers Utd), Ali Chiwendu (Yobe Stars), David Philip (Go Round)
Among the midfielders we’re Samuel Mathias (Lobi Stars)
Dare Ojo (Lobi Stars), Morice Chukwu (Go Round) and Ieanyi Ifeanyi (ES Setif) while Forwards include Christian Ekong (Delta Foece), Michael Ohanu (MFM),Ubong Friday (Lori FC) and Akarandut Orok