Sports Recorder | Solomon OKPO
Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, over the weekend paid a glowing tribute to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, describing him as a defining figure in his coaching career. The occasion was marked with the presentation of a life-size portrait to the veteran sports administrator at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Coach Zubairu, who steered Nigeria’s Under-20 team to qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, was in Uyo to observe a scouting programme for young football talents. Reflecting on his time at Akwa United, the former assistant to Abdul Maikaba credited his tenure at the club in 2016 as a turning point in his professional journey.
“My coaching career took a new direction the moment I joined Akwa United,” Zubairu said. “Working under Coach Maikaba and having Elder Paul Bassey as Chairman provided an enabling environment. His encouragement and guidance have shaped who I am today.”
Zubairu, who won his first major silverware, the 2017 FA Cup, while at Akwa United, recounted the club’s unique culture and the professionalism of its management.
“The atmosphere, support staff, and leadership were exceptional. I will always associate my first major triumph with the opportunity given to me here,” he noted.
The coach, who has since managed Wikki Tourists, Gombe United, and recently promoted El-Kanemi Warriors to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), added the 2024 Nigeria FA Cup to his growing list of laurels.
In his response, Elder Paul Bassey expressed gratitude for the gesture and lauded Zubairu’s growth in the football coaching circuit.
“Coach Aliyu is one of the most focused and disciplined individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with,” said Bassey. “I’m proud of how far he has come, and I wish him and the Flying Eagles all the best in Chile.”
The brief but emotional ceremony was attended by notable figures in the Nigerian football community, including NFF Executive Board Member Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, former Super Eagles star Victor Ikpeba, coaches Kennedy Boboye and Ali Jolomi, and former FIFA referee Anietie Ferdinand.
