By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has charged Akwa United Football Club to remain focused and disciplined as the team intensifies preparations for the second round of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Elder Bassey gave the charge on Tuesday during a visit to the club’s training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, as part of the team’s mid-season assessment programme.
Akwa United currently sits atop Conference B of the Nigeria National League after the first round of fixtures, having garnered 19 points from nine matches to open a two-point lead over Sporting Lagos.
Commending the players, technical crew, and management for their impressive showing in the first stanza of the campaign, the Sports Commissioner warned against complacency, noting that the second round of the league would be more competitive and demanding.
He reaffirmed the Akwa Ibom State Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the club secures promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League at the end of the season.
“I congratulate the management, technical crew and players for your impressive performance in the first round. You have made the state proud,” Bassey said.
“However, the league is played in two halves, and the second round will be tougher. You must remain focused, disciplined and leave nothing to chance.
“Our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has given us a clear mandate to ensure that Akwa United returns to the Premier League, and the Ministry of Sports will continue to provide all the necessary support. This is also an opportunity for you to advance your individual careers while bringing glory to Akwa Ibom State.”
The Commissioner further boosted team morale with a cash donation and reassured the players of continued government backing throughout the remainder of the season.
Akwa United, fondly known as The Promise Keepers, will kick off their second-round campaign with a home fixture against Rovers of Calabar at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
