The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the appointment of Mr. Joseph Eno and Prince Ukeme Ukpong as the new Chairmen of Akwa United Football Club and Ibom Angels Football Club respectively, ushering in a new era of leadership for the state-owned teams.

 

Mr. Joseph Eno will take charge of Akwa United FC, one of the state’s top football clubs, with Pastor Ini Edoho appointed as Vice Chairman. Mr. Jimmy Joshua will serve as General Manager while Elder Omon Bassey has been named Club Secretary.

 

The club’s management team also includes Mr. Festus Akpan as Team Manager, with Mr. Mfon Patrick as Media Manager. He will be assisted by Mr. NsikakAbasi Akpan in media operations.

 

On the women’s side, Prince Ukeme Ukpong, a passionate advocate for female football and grassroots development, has been appointed Chairman of Ibom Angels Football Club. Ukpong is widely celebrated for his philanthropy and his role in nurturing young talent through the Prince Ukeme Ukpong Unity Cup — a grassroots football initiative he has sponsored for over a decade through his foundation.

 

In the new Ibom Angels management team, Elder John Udo returns as Secretary, with Mr. Cyril Orok as Assistant Secretary. Hon. Ndah Ndah has been named Team Coordinator. Coach Mary Udobia will serve as Team Manager, while Mr. Dennis Thadeus takes up the role of Welfare Officer. Mr. Edidiong Stephen has been appointed Media Manager, assisted by Mr. Ini Akang. Uduak Freddie will serve as the team’s Camp Commandant.

 

In another major development, Akwa United has confirmed the appointment of Coach Paul Offor as the new Head Coach of the club. Offor, who led Sporting Lagos to promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in the 2023–24 season, has already resumed duties in Uyo and is currently preparing the Promise Keepers for the upcoming 2025–26 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign.

 

Coach Offor will work alongside a robust technical team including Coach Tosin Adekugbe, Coach Okechukwu Promise, former Super Eagles goalkeeper Bassey Akpan, and former club legend Akarandut Orok.

 

Meanwhile, in a move aimed at restoring the club’s elite status, Governor Umo Eno has directed the immediate return of Akwa United to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

 

Speaking on the matter, Governor Eno emphasized the importance of having Akwa United in the top tier of Nigerian football. “A club like Akwa United should not be playing in the lower division,” he stated, pledging the government’s full support to ensure the team’s prompt return to the NPFL.

 

The changes signal a new direction for both clubs, with the state government reaffirming its commitment to sports development and excellence in Akwa Ibom.