RismadarVoice Reporters, April 24, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, was among dignitaries, football stakeholders, and fans who attended the Nationwide League One (NLO) Matchday One games on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, at Eket Stadium.
Speaking after the matches, Bassey praised the quality of sports facilities in the state. “Akwa Ibom is blessed with sports infrastructure. We must appreciate successive administrations for building these facilities and also commend the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration for maintaining every one of them,” he said.
He also highlighted the recent recognition received by the state. “Just weeks ago, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, was named the Best Government-Owned Sports Facility in the country at the Sportsville Special Recognition and Awards Ceremony. These facilities are national treasures,” he added.
Bassey expressed delight at the level of talent on display. “I am excited to see the youngsters display their skills here at the Eket Stadium, which is of national standard. I believe fans will enjoy the matches throughout the season at this centre,” he said.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh, echoed the commissioner’s comments by thanking successive state governments for their investment in sports infrastructure. According to him, “Eket Stadium is one of the best in the country.”
On the standard of performances by the players, Umoh said Nigeria will become number one in Africa again if the right steps are taken at the grassroots level. He noted that attention must be given to young players in the NLO by identifying top talents and monitoring their development.
On the relationship between the Akwa Ibom State FA and the Ministry of Sports under the leadership of Elder Paul Bassey, Umoh said, “The Akwa Ibom State Football Association is blessed to have Elder Paul Bassey at the helm of affairs of the Sports Ministry. We have gained so much knowledge from him; he is a man who has seen it all in sports, and so we are blessed to tap into his experience. He is a father, so the relationship has been a tremendous blessing to us.”
Other stakeholders who spoke at the match included Nsit Ubium Local Football Council Chairman, Elder Sunny Smith, who said, “I have witnessed a beautiful display of talents here. The amazing facilities we have in Akwa Ibom will encourage players to do well.”
On the role of the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration in promoting sports tourism, Elder Smith said, “Our Governor is doing a lot to promote tourism in sports and other fields, and so it is no surprise that NLO found it worthy to have one centre here.”
Eket Local Football Council Chairman, Elder Sunny Udo, also expressed his satisfaction with the choice of venue. He said, “This stadium is always ready to host matches. Personally, I have done work to mobilise fans to come and watch the NLO games. One thing about Eket fans is that we support good teams; once you perform well, you will get applauded. I am sure the teams will enjoy their season here.”
On her part, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Minifootball Association, Mfon Edet, said, “So far, the games have been very competitive. We have seen a lot of talent, which shows that the teams have been prepared.”
She also spoke about an ongoing football competition in Ibesikpo Asutan, noting that it is part of efforts to introduce minifootball in the state. She said it is important for Akwa Ibom to tap into the growing opportunities in the sport.
Edet further praised the relationship between the Minifootball Association and the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, saying it has been a “very wonderful relationship, and it’s for us to follow them.”
Eight teams are competing at the Eket centre of the 2025/2026 NLO season. In the opening matches, Blessed Stars defeated FC ONE Rocket 1-0, Krane FC and Blackpool FA played a 1-1 draw, P Sports FA defeated Heaven’s Race FA 1-0, while Palm Syrup beat KMK Academy 2-1.
Matchday Two action will continue over the weekend, with games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm each day at the Eket Stadium.
