1996-97: The Genesis
When sports loving Military Administrator, the late Navy Captain, Joseph Adeusi arrived Akwa Ibom State, he decided to establish a football club and the task fell on the CAF General Co-ordinator, Paul Bassey.
In less than three months, Paul Bassey hit gold when he stumbled on the information that Nitel was in the process of doing away with its Enugu based club, NITEL FC. Akwa Ibom presented the best bid, a deal was struck and the club was bought, registered and renamed Ibom Stars Football Club.
2007-08: First Top Flight
After paying her dues in the Pro League for almost ten years, Ibom Stars gained promotion to the Nigeria Premier League in 2007-08 season. Ibom Stars was gone and Akwa United FC was born, nicknamed The Promise Keepers.
Midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo entered into the club’s history book as the scorer of Akwa United’s first goal in the Premier league during a 1-0 win against El-Kanemi Warriors.
2014-15: First Major Trophy
Akwa United moved to the magnificent 30,000 capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium built by former Governor, Godswill Akpabio.
The team made history by winning the Federations Cup in November 2015, beating Lobi Stars 2-1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos to lift their first major trophy.
2016-17: A New Dawn
Under the leadership of Elder Paul Bassey, the club saw a professional transformation, including the iconic change of jersey color from Blue and White to Orange and White—the official colors of Akwa Ibom State.
The club lifted its second FA Cup (AITEO Cup) in three years, defeating Niger Tornadoes on penalties.
2020-21: NPFL Champions
In a historic season under Coach Kennedy Boboye, Akwa United set a league record with an 18-match unbeaten run.
On August 1st, 2021, a 5-2 victory over MFM FC in Uyo—featuring a Charles Atshimene hat-trick—officially crowned Akwa United as Champions of Nigeria for the first time in their 25-year history.