Akwa United’s AITEO Cup win well deserved ― Gov Emmanuel

For winning the 2017 Aiteo Cup, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has commended the gallantry shown by the state’s darling team, Akwa United, saying “it is a victory well deserved.”

Governor Emmanuel personally watched Akwa United smile home with the trophy after a hard-fought contest against the resilient Niger Tornadoes of Minna, at the packed Agege Stadium, Lagos State, on Sunday.

The cheerful Governor Emmanuel, who had earlier encouraged the boys in their dressing room to repeat the 2015 feat, said “the team exhibited the strong “dakkada spirit”, and urged them to prepare well for the continental championship.

In the same vein, a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Ekerete Udoh, on behalf of his principal, assured the team of government’s rewards for the efforts.

“You displayed the dakkada spirit that our people are known for; you refused to accept defeat when the odds were against you; you remained focused and delivered a stunning victory.

“We salute your courage and determination, Akwa Ibom people are proud of you, and the people stand united behind you”, Emmanuel assured, adding that the team would soar higher in the continental championship.

Also, the Technical Director in charge of all football teams in the state, Honourable Nse Udofot Essien, commended the team for living up to expectations and praised God for helping to make his promise of guaranteeing the team a continental ticket to be realised.

“I am glad that I promised the team would go continental and that has come to pass by this victory,” Essien, a member of the state House of Assembly representing the Onna State Constituency, said.

He assured that the State government under the sports-loving governor, who also won the trophy for the state in 2015, would strengthen the team and provide enough motivation for Akwa United to penetrate far into the continent at the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup.

The Chairman of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter, Comrade Solomon, also joined others in the victory dance and enjoined the team to use the victory as a springboard to conquer the continent in the AITEO Cup.