Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has sent a get- well message to the players and staff of the state NPFL side, Akwa United FC who were involved in an auto crash in Enugu state on Friday on their way to Kaduna to honour an NPFL tie with Jigawa Golden Stars of Dutse.
This is even as the state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN and NPFL side Dakkada FC of Uyo have also prayed for the quick recovery of players and officials of the club who sustained injuries in the accident.
A statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant, Media, Ekerete Udoh yesterday in Uyo thanked God that sad and unfortunate as the crash was, no life was lost.
“ Let me commend also the Enugu State Government and indeed the management of Enugu Rangers Football Club for their brotherly love and the quick assistance rendered to our team.
“Your timely intervention helped in no small measures to mitigate further injuries and evacuation for urgent medical attention.
“We will do all we can, to further provide any needed assistance to the players and others who were affected.” The statement added.
Emmanuel who also commended the League Management Company, for promptly postponing the matchday 15 clash earlier billed for Sunday, March 14, 2021 prayed for timely psychological and physical recovery of the players.
SWAN in the state in a statement endorsed by the state chairman Comrade Emmanuel Akpan thanked God for sparing the lives of both players and officials on board the vehicle, a Marco polo bus also used by the Senior National team, the Super Eagles.
Akpan while sympathising with the management of the club called for prompt psychological check on the players and officials to help ward off the effect of the incident calling for a holistic overhauling of the transport system to avert reoccurrence.
In their statement, Dakkada FC expressed sadness over the incident describing it as both ill-fated and heartbreaking especially at a time Akwa United had successfully taken their breathtaking football to a new level.
“It is therefore our collective prayer that God embellishes you, your talented players and everyone associated with the Akwa United family, with the required valour to overcome apace the physical and psychological trauma associated with this regrettable occurrence as to enable you all continue with your sterling quest to put smiles on the faces of football followers in our dear state, Akwa Ibom, and beyond.” It said.
With this development, Akwa United FC has become the third Nigerian club side to be involved in an accident on their way to honor the NPFL game this season following similar incidents to Kwara United of Ilorin and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
