By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Akwa Ibom has congratulated Akwa United FC of Uyo for winning its first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title.
Also joining SWAN in congratulating the new NPFL champions, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ in Akwa Ibom, Dakkada FC of Uyo and Plateau United FC of Jos all described the title as well deserved.
In a statement in Uyo, endorsed by its state chairman, Emmanuel Akpanika and Secretary, Theophilus Udoh, SWAN also congratulated the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Monday Uko and club Chairman, Mr Paul Bassey for working tirelessly to ensure the team emerge victorious in the 2020/2021 season.
“It is on record that Akwa United won its first FA cup trophy in 2015 as well as won Aiteo cup in 2017 and today, history is again written in favour of the club by winning the first ever NPFL trophy after competing in the league for several years.
“SWAN express gratitude with the choice of Sir Monday Uko, to be in charge of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports and that of our senior colleague, Elder Paul Bassey, Senior Special Assistant on Sports/Chairman, Akwa United Football Club.
“With this historic milestone, more is expected as the team steps into the continent of Africa as the best football club in Nigeria where they will face the best teams from other African countries.” The statement concluded.
Also in a congratulatory message, state chairman of NUJ, Me Amos Etuk and Secretary Me Domnic Akpan in a statement said that the League Cup was a perfect gift to Akwa Ibom people for their support and devotion to the team since its establishment in 1996.
The Union further described the victory as the sweet fruit of the club’s determination and hard work in the league campaign this season.
” We urge the club to reach for the stars in the CAF Champions League campaign, which begins in September, 2021, and push to retain the League Cup next season, because these are the hallmarks of champions.” NUJ said in the statement.
Meanwhile, in separate congratulatory messages, the management of NPFL sides Dakkada FC of Uyo and Plateau United FC of Jos described the victory of the team in the just concluded league season as a victory to good football.
It would be recalled that Akwa United FC romped to its first Nigerian top-flight league truimph last Sunday after it walloped visiting MFM FC of Lagos by 5-2 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
