The Nigerian Ambassador to Algeria, Mohammed Abdullahi has welcomed Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, champions, Akwa United in Algiers ahead of the return leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round against Algerian champions CR Belouizdad.
The Chairman of Akwa United Football Club Elder Paul Bassey has described Ambassador Abdullahi Mabdul as a thoroughbred professional and a core diplomat.
Speaking to the club media manager, Mfon Patrick, Elder Bassey said: “the Nigerian embassy headed by Ambassador Mohammed has been very helpful even before we arrived in Algeria. The channel of communication between the embassy and Akwa United is top notch and we really appreciate the warm reception and support.
“Akwa United’s contingent arrived Algiers from Abuja at exactly 12:03am on Saturday only to be received by a delegation from the Nigerian embassy led by the Ambassador himself, His Excellency Mohammed Abdullahi Mabdul. The Ambassador, we are told, came and waited for us at the airport from 10pm and when we arrived, he assisted us till we checked-in at our hotel at 3:15am.
“His Excellency didn’t stop at that, he visited us at the hotel the next day and followed us to the stadium and watched our training session alongside his son and other embassy staff. Only core diplomats can show such level of concern and patriotism.
“With Ambassador Mohammed around, we are at home here in Algiers, because this is the best reception we have ever received from a Nigerian embassy or commission in any of our continental engagements outside Nigeria ” Elder Bassey noted.
The Nigerian Ambassador congratulated Akwa United for winning the NPFL title last season and also wished the team success in their continental campaign.
He also promised to mobilize support from Nigerians in Algeria for the Promise Keepers during the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round game against CR Belouizdad today Sunday 19th September 2021. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 9pm Nigerian time.
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