Akwa United players Paulinus Okon, Michael Okenwa and Yannick Menegbe were among the winners at the Akwa United/Ibom Air End of Season Awards held at the Uyo Township Stadium on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The winners were announced and rewarded shortly before the team’s training session by Nigeria Premier Football League record goal scorer, Mfon Udoh, who is also an Ibom Air Brand Ambassador.
It will be recalled that Akwa United and Ibom Air entered into a partnership agreement before the start of the 2025/2026 season. Since then, the airline has rewarded players and fans through different award categories including Player of the Match, Player of the Month and match day gift packs for fans.
Following the end of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season, winners emerged in categories such as Player of the Season, Highest Goal Scorer, Highest Assist Provider and Team Play of the Season.
University of Uyo first class graduate Paulinus Okon was named Player of the Season and received a cash reward of one million naira. The midfielder impressed throughout the season, playing in different attacking and midfield positions for Coach Paul Offor’s side and scoring four goals.
Striker Michael Okenwa won the Highest Goal Scorer award after finishing the season with five goals. He received a cash prize of one million, five hundred thousand naira.
Yannick Menegbe was recognised as the player with the highest number of assists after recording five assists during the season. He also received a cash reward of one million naira.
There was also a Team Play Award for players who showed consistency and contributed to the team’s strong performances during the season. Akwa United remained unbeaten at home and recorded three away victories and one away draw to finish second in the NNL Southern Conference B. The Team Play Award came with a cash prize of one million naira.
Akwa United narrowly missed promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League. The partnership with Ibom Air will continue in the 2026/2027 season as the Promise Keepers prepare for another push for promotion.
Meanwhile, Akwa United have already shifted attention to the President Federation Cup Round of 32 clash against El-Kanemi Warriors. The match will be played at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 4pm
