Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, described football as a major unifier in the country, calling on the people particularly the politicians to embrace it as an exemplar worthy of emulation by others.
“We welcome you very warmly to our state. As a matter of fact, this is one of the beauties of football as it brings all of us together as Nigerians, and then brings all of our players from their different clubs as they put on the Nigerian jerseys and the Nigerian spirit.
Eno expressed the solidarity of the people of the state with Nigeria’s national team, Super Eagles, assuring them of solidarity and hospitality of the state in their Sunday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Falcon and Parrot of Sao Tomé and Principe.
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Interacting with the Super Eagles contingent at their Four Points by Sheraton Hotel camp at Ikot Ekpene, Governor Eno welcomed the team to the peaceful and hospitable ambience of the state and assured them of security and safety.
The Governor congratulated the players for making it to the national team, and encouraged them to play their best to make the country proud, assuring that he will continue to show solidarity with the team throughout their stay.
“… That’s where politicians should learn from what you guys are doing by just flying the Nigerian flag, even though you are from different clubs,” he stated.
Governor Eno thanked the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, for choosing Uyo as venue for the Super Eagles’ home encounter, among the numerous cities in the country.
“So, I thought I need to give it the attention it deserves by coming down here personally to welcome you, see how you are doing and see what we can do to ensure that you are in the right state of mind to win the march on Sunday,” he added.
Eno while explaining the rationale Ikot Ekpene, where they camp, is less than 10 minutes to the venue of the match, noted that the state boasts of excellent road infrastructure that guarantee such convenience.
The NFF Deputy Secretary General and leader of the Super Eagles contingent, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme thanked Governor Umo Eno for the warm reception accorded the team since their arrival in the state, and thanked the governor for showing deep concern to the team by visiting them in camp soon after their arrival in the state.
He was optimistic that the team will continue to enjoy such warm welcome in Uyo in subsequent home matches as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Head Coach of the Super Eagles, José Peseiro and Captain of the Team, William-Troost Ekong in their remarks, appreciated the Akwa Ibom State Government for the hospitality the team has enjoyed in the state and made a presentation, on behalf of the team to Governor Umo Eno.
