President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, may have inadvertently sparked controversy among his constituents by basing his newly formed football club, Godswill Akpabio United in Uyo instead of in his Senatorial District, Ikot Ekpene, Completesports.com reports.
The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State acquired a Nigeria National League slot and Godswill Akpabio United have begun recruiting players in preparation for the 2024/2025 NNL season.
Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Completesports.com findings in Akwa Ibom State reveal, comprises 10 local government areas.
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Akpabio has commenced recruitment and training at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Patrick Udoh, a former Nigeria junior international, is the Head Coach, while Kufre Ini-Ima, a former player of Akwa Starlets FC and Personal Assistant to the Senate President on Domestic Affairs, serves as the General Coordinator of the team.
However, the decision to base Godswill Akpabio United in Uyo has not gone down well with football stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene. They prefer the club to be based in Ikot Ekpene, as Senator Akpabio hails from the district.
They view the choice of Uyo as akin to ‘singing the Lord’s song in a strange land.’
“Senator Akpabio is from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. We have a stadium here in Ikot Ekpene, right behind the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. In fact, his administration from 2007 to 2015 built the Ikot Ekpene Stadium. So why take the club to Uyo?” wondered Mfom Umoh, speaking with Completesports.com at the Ikot Ekpene Stadium.
“This decision denies football fans here in Ikot Ekpene the opportunity to enjoy league football. The choice of Uyo as the home base is like what is written in the Bible—‘singing the Lord’s song in a strange land,” lamented Emma Effiong.
Completesports.com also reached out to the General Coordinator of Godswill Akpabio United, Kufre Ini-Ima, but after initially promising to return the call, he did not, nor did he respond to a message sent to his mobile phone.
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However, Patrick Udoh, the Head Coach of Godswill Akpabio United, praised Senator Akpabio for establishing the club.
“It adds to the numerous legacies Senator Akpabio is known for in the state,” Udoh told Completesports.com.
“By setting up this club, Senator Akpabio has taken a step forward in curbing youth restiveness and providing employment opportunities for young people.”
Udoh also explained the rationale behind basing Godswill Akpabio United in Uyo.
“Currently, we train at Uyo Township Stadium, which is also where we will be playing our home matches.
“The reason for choosing Uyo Township Stadium is straightforward: it has better facilities, including a superior playing surface. That’s simply the fact,” Udoh explained.
By Sab Osuji, just back from Uyo, Ikot Ekpene
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