By Sports Recorder
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, alongside sports-loving residents of the state, has thrown full weight behind the Super Eagles ahead of their semi-final clash against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The renovated Ibom Plaza in Uyo is expected to be filled to capacity on Wednesday evening as hundreds of Akwa Ibomites gather to watch the encounter live on a high-definition giant screen and cheer the national team to victory against the Atlas Lions.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, disclosed on Tuesday that Governor Eno was elated by the Super Eagles’ impressive outing against Algeria, a performance he described as near-superlative and a clear indication that the team is poised for a place in the final.
According to Bassey, the governor’s enthusiasm was further heightened by the massive turnout witnessed at Ibom Plaza during the last match, where football fans trooped out in large numbers to support the Eagles.
“Uyo, Akwa Ibom, is the home of the Super Eagles, and that explains our emotional and patriotic attachment to the team,” Bassey said. “His Excellency was deeply impressed by the crowd that gathered at the remodeled Ibom Plaza to cheer the team to victory, especially given the Eagles’ convincing performance against Algeria.”
He expressed confidence that Wednesday’s match would attract an even larger audience, citing the comfort, live ambience and high-definition viewing experience offered by the upgraded facility.
“The Ibom Plaza provides a unique environment, comfortable seating, a giant HD screen and an electric atmosphere that makes watching live matches a collective and memorable experience. Tomorrow will not be different; hundreds will turn up once again to support the national team,” he added.
Bassey noted that in spite of challenges such as epileptic power supply and the high cost of satellite television services, the Ibom Plaza has emerged as a major social hub and one of the most impactful projects commissioned by the present administration.
“Many of those who will come out to watch the match have television sets and generators at home, yet they prefer the communal experience at the Ibom Plaza. It adds spark and verve to the entire spectacle,” the commissioner said.
He concluded by stressing that the expected turnout would once again underscore the power of sports as a unifying force, capable of promoting peace and harmony while transcending religious, ethnic and tribal divisions.
