Uyo – Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, on Wednesday received Akwa United Football Club on their return from Lagos where they won the 2015 Federation Cup.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Akwa United FC defeated Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi 2-1 on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos, to lift its first ever federation cup trophy.
Gov. Emmanuel, who commended the players and technical crew for the feat, said they had written the state’s name in gold, in the 70 years of the competition.
He described the victory as a testimony to the “Dakkada’’ philosophy which seeks to promote unity and greatness among Akwa Ibom people.
“The victory has broken all the barriers of ethnicity, hatred and divisiveness.
“The feat is an indication that there is no limit to human achievements once the passion is right and I attribute this success to God’s benevolence”, he said.
The governor reiterated his commitment to laying a solid foundation for the youths to exhibit their talents and also rise to the peak of their careers.
Monday Uko, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, expressed appreciation to the governor for providing an enabling environment and logistics that propelled the team to victory.
He particularly commended the players, the team managers and the technical crew for their all-round support which necessitated the victory and expressed the hope that the team would excel at the continental competition.
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Captain of the team, Otobong Effiong, attributed the success to the benevolence and motivation from the governor.
Effiong described the victory as a beginning of good things to come to the state.
He applauded the support of the fans that traveled all the way to Lagos to cheer the team to victory and pledged the team’s determination to win more trophies next season.
The highpoint of the event was a victory march that saw the governor and his cabinet members walk with the team from the Ibom Plaza to the Globe Square, opposite the Akwa Ibom Government House. (NAN)