2019/2020 NPFL Akwa United Set To Sail

By Ekemini Simon

. . .We have gone for the best legs- Paul Bassey assures
In readiness for the 2019/20 Nigerian Profession Football League (NPFL), Akwa United have officially presented to the public their new technical adviser and head coach, John Obuh and his assistant, Duke Udi
The unveiling which took place Monday at the Nest of Champions International Stadium, Uyo witnessed the ‘Promise keepers’ also making public 15 newly signed players.
Obuh who is moving from Kwara United after helping the team gained promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) has signed a year contract with the Promise Keepers, who are two-time Aiteo Cup winners .
He featured for many top clubs including Abiola Babes, Udoji United, Julius Berger, Sharks FC, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba as a player.
Obuh, who hails from Abia State, started his coaching career in the 1994-1995 season as a coach-player with Enyimba of Aba. He has also worked with the national Under-17 team- the Golden Eaglets- and the national Under-20 team- the Flying Eagles- between 2008-2013.
Obuh holds a Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) B coaching license, English FA International coaching license, and German Football A license.
Also joining Akwa United’s technical crew for the new season is former Super Eagles, Grasshopper of Switzerland and Akwa United defender Duke Udi as the deputy head coach.
Udi previously worked as a coach with Giwa FC, Enugu Rangers, Sunshine Stars amongst others. He has agreed a one year deal with the Promise Keepers.
In the playing department of Akwa United, the club has acquired 15 new players for the season comprising three goalkeepers, four defenders, four midfielders and four forwards.

Goalkeepers:
Itodo Akor (El-Kanemi), Bassey Akpan (Sunshine Stars), Adewale Adeyinka (Gombe Utd)

Defenders:
Ekemini Ukoebe (Lori FC), Sampson Gbadebo (Rivers Utd), Ali Chiwendu (Yobe Stars), David Philip (Go Round)

Midfielders:
Samuel Mathias (Lobi Stars), Dare Ojo (Lobi Stars), Morice Chukwu (Go Round), Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (ES Setif)

Forwards:
Christian Ekong (Delta Foece), Michael Ohanu (MFM), Ubong Friday (Lori FC), Akarandut Orok

Akwa United have registered a total of 35 players for the 2019/2020 football league season scheduled to kick-start on November 3, 2019
In a media chat, the new technical adviser of the Uyo based side noted that he has set a target of winning the NPFL title and the Aiteo cup.
He noted that he has been equipped with adequate insight about what is needed to improve the club especially through inputs from past coaches.
Obuh noted “ Everton(coach) worked under me in Ifeanyi Ubah. Maikaba worked under me in Kano Pillars for almost two seasons. So I have discussed with them about the club. Moreover, I have a very strong person within me. The little time I am with a team, the team will always be a very good team.”
Commenting on his philosophy of play, the new head coach said he appreciates a good level of stamina even as he also enjoys the tiki-taka pattern of football which Akwa United are known for.
On his part, the chairman of Akwa United Football Club, Elder Paul Bassey, assured that he will do his best to see his dream of lifting the league trophy come to pass.
He noted “We have gone for the best legs in the league. Put us in your prayers and be there to support us. With God on our side, the league trophy is coming to Akwa Ibom State.”