NPFL23: Akwa United sign 23 players for new season

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Former Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Akwa United have signed 23 new players for the 2023 NPFL season.

The Promise Keepers confirmed on Tuesday that the club has registered 39 new players ahead of their opening fixture against Bendel Insurance on Sunday.

Notable among the new players are former top scorer, Ndifreke Effiong who rejoins Akwa United following the termination of his contract with Libyan top division side, Al-Ahli Benghazi and Ikechukwu Nwani who spent last season with Plateau United.

The 2020/2021 NPFL champions have also promoted two players to the first team from their U-15. Nsikan Aloysius (left full back) is the captain of the club’s academy and goalkeeper Covenant Bassey, both have been training with the first team and are now part of the playing squad for the new season.

Right back Victor Ifiok has also joined the club from Ibom Youth FC after impressing in successive seasons in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

The newly signed players are: Godgift Elkanah, Covenant Bassey (Academy), Paschal Onunze, Anthony Anioke, Abdulsalam Saheed, Abbey Benson, Taye Muritala, Victor Ifiok, Nsikan Aloysius (Academy), Duke Osimaga, Ebetomame Oghenetega, Onyekachi Nwaiwu, Michael Afolabi, Abdulwahab Jibril, Olajuyin Kehinde, Emmanuel Ugwuka, Moses Effiong, Valentine Obilor, Uche Collins, Leonard Ugochukwu, Ifeanyi Ogba while Ndifreke Effiong and Ikechukwu Nwani rejoined the club for the new season.

However, The Athletic NG understands 12 players have been retained from last season’s squad. They are: Jean Efala, Ifeanyi Emmanuel, Uche Okafor, Etim Matthew, David Philip, James Ajako, David Sholumade, Ubong Essien, James Arong, Ubong Friday, Wisdom Fernando, and Leo Ezekiel.

Meanwhile, Akwa United have moved on several players from the first team. Super Eagles goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka joined Sudanese side Al-Hilal; Sampson Gbadebo joined Naft Al-Wassat SC in Iraq; Denis Nya moved to Zesco United in the Zambian Super League; winger Samuel Amadi joined Egyptian Premier League side, Cleopatra FC; Charles Okafor is now with Niger Tornadoes while Seth Mayi completed his move to Remo Stars.

Nigeria Under 23 player, Evans Ogbonda was declared missing by Akwa United and The Athletic NG understands the player is yet to return to camp for the new season.

The Athletic NG understands the following players’ are deemed surplus to requirement: Dele Ajiboye, John Lazarus, Elu Wilson, Ekene Olisema, Etboy Akpan, Stephen Amos, Nicholas Godswill, Stephen Chukwude, Izu Azuka, Abiodun Thompson, Tony Obia, and Aiz Jibrin.

Akwa United finished in 10th position last season (52 points) and will look to begin the season in fine form.

Coach Deji Ayeni and Akwa United will begin the new season at the Godswill Akpbio International Stadium in Uyo against newly promoted Bendel Insurance on Sunday, January 8, 2022 by 4pm.

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