By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has applauded Governor Umo Eno’s vision-driven leadership as the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Akwa United Football Club recorded significant victories on the same day.
Elder Bassey was at Ibom Plaza, Uyo, when the Super Eagles defeated Algeria in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier to book a semi-final clash against tournament hosts, Morocco. He said his presence at the venue went beyond football enthusiasm, describing it as a deliberate assessment of the functionality and public value of the Ibom Plaza project initiated by Governor Umo Eno.
According to the Commissioner, the edifice represents more than a recreational facility, but a symbol of inclusive development and social engagement for the people of Akwa Ibom State.
“I didn’t come out just for the Super Eagles match,” Bassey stated. “I came to test this edifice that His Excellency has put in place and to see the level of appreciation by Akwa Ibom people.”
He expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for delivering infrastructure that directly enhances community life, noting that the atmosphere at the Plaza was orderly, peaceful and adequately secured, providing a conducive environment for public viewing and social interaction.
The Sports Commissioner also commended the Super Eagles for their impressive AFCON run, describing their progression to the semi-finals as a product of discipline, resilience and tactical maturity. He recalled Nigeria’s elimination of strong contenders, including Tunisia, as evidence of the team’s renewed competitive edge.
In a related development, Elder Bassey praised Akwa United Football Club for their hard-earned victory over Rovers FC at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, in a Nigeria National League (NNL) encounter played earlier in the day. He described the result as a morale-boosting outcome that strengthens the club’s push for improved league standing.
Reaffirming government commitment to sports development, Bassey reminded the media that Governor Umo Eno has issued a clear directive for Akwa United to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). He stressed that the state government remains resolute in providing the institutional and logistical support required to achieve that objective.
The Commissioner concluded that the twin successes—on the national and club fronts—reflect the broader gains of strategic investment in sports and people-focused infrastructure under the current administration.
Sports Recorder
