In a show of solidarity and commitment to grassroots football development, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association has extended support to the ongoing Nationwide League One (NLO) competition hosted in Calabar, the capital city of Cross Rivers State.
At the UJ Esuene Stadium, where the tournament is ongoing, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh, alongside board members and stakeholders, presented packs of bottled water and other essential items to both the organisers and the ten participating teams. Mr. Umoh emphasised that the donation aligns with his administration’s vision to nurture and elevate football from its grassroots origins.
Expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Calabar centre officials in upholding the integrity of the game, Umoh urged them to ensure the competition ends with only the best team earning qualification to the playoffs. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in encouraging young talent and attracting private investment for further player development.
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Responding to the gesture, Mr. Talabi Oke, Secretary of the Cross River State Football Association, lauded the Akwa Ibom FA for its proactive measures in revitalising football within the Akwa-Cross region. He pledged continued collaboration between the two states for the advancement of football in Nigeria.
Frederick Udoh, speaking on behalf of the ten participating teams, expressed gratitude for the support from the newly inaugurated Akwa Ibom FA board. He noted that besides facilitating the smooth running of the competition, the donation sends a positive message to league organisers, encouraging further partnerships to expand the league’s reach.
The Calabar centre currently hosts eight teams from Akwa Ibom State and two from Cross River State. P. Sports FC leads the standings after eight matches and are set to face Ibom Youth FC in the centre’s final game.
The other eight teams competing in the centre include Essien Ayi FC, Hope of Glory FC, Nordic FC, Sir Monty FC, Krane FC, Vandrezzer FC, FC ONA Pal, and Palm Syrup FC.
