The Honourable Commissioner of Sports Elder Paul Bassey has asked Akwa United to strive and actualise the mandate of His Excellency the Governor by returning the team to where it belongs, the Premier League.
The commissioner made the call when the management of the club led by her Chairman Mr Joseph Eno paid a courtesy visit to him in his office.
In his response the chairman expressed profound gratitude to the Commissioner for his trust and confidence in their ability to steer the club toward its goals in the ongoing 2025–26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
“We are here to thank you for the confidence you have reposed in us to lead this team. We do not take it for granted. We also wish to officially notify you that the 2025–26 NNL season has commenced, and we have made a promising start. It is our pleasure to invite you to all our home matches and to present these new jerseys to you as our top supporter.”
He reaffirmed the team’s commitment to returning Akwa United—one of Nigeria’s prestigious football clubs—to the top flight.
“Akwa United is a big team in Nigeria, and we are determined to restore it to its rightful place by securing promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season,” he added.
Other members of the delegation, including Vice Chairman Elder Ini Edoho, General Manager Mr. Jimmy Joshua, Head Coach Paul Offor, and Team Captain Ubong Essien, also appreciated the Commissioner for his visionary leadership and his contributions to sports development in the state. They described him as a father figure whose guidance continues to inspire the club’s quest for success.
Remarking further, Elder Paul Bassey congratulated the team for their impressive start to the season and reiterated the ministry’s commitment—aligned with Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda—to supporting sports growth in the state.
“I’m deeply touched by this visit, especially coming after such a brilliant start to the season. Last season was very difficult for the team on and off the pitch, and we do not want a repeat of that experience,” the Commissioner said.
He expressed confidence in the management’s capability and urged them to remain united and focused. “My advice is that you all work together as a team to ensure that you deliver an NPFL promotion ticket to His Excellency the Governor at the end of the season.”
The visit featured the presentation of the new home and away jerseys to the Honourable Commissioner. Head Coach Paul Offor also presented an autographed framed jersey. The club extended the gesture to the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, who received official club kits for the new season.
The Promise Keepers opened their 2025–26 NNL campaign with a 2–0 victory over Solution FC, followed by a narrow 1–0 win against Abakaliki FC. They will face Ekiti United this weekend in what will be their first away match of the season
