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“We Must Not Sit Back and Watch A Few Desperados Hijack Football in Akwa Ibom State” – Hon Nse Essien

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4 days ago

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… Akwa Ibom FA Elections not recognized by the NFF

The last has not been heard of Monday’s Football Association Election held in Akwa Ibom state as one of the chairmanship candidate who was disqualified just days to the election has come out to describe the entire process before and during the election as a total charade. 

The founder and financier of FC One Rockets, who is also an executive committee member of the Nigeria football federation NFF, in a ‘No holds Barred’ interview with sports journalists in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state Capital, said, he wants sports loving Nigerians, especially passionate stakeholders from Akwa Ibom state, to understand that the men perpetrating this evil, are on a mission to hijack football in the state. 

The current Deputy chief whip of the Akwa Ibom state house of assembly who also doubles as chairman committee on youth, sports and security, said he has taken time to listen to these men closely and has come to realize that they don’t have the interest of the game or the state at heart, instead, they are more concerned about how they can infiltrate the state FA with inexperience and irresponsible people that will end up using the office for their selfish gains. 

“In the first place, I wouldn’t  have contested in the election because I was disqualified by the Electoral Committee whose chairman Chris Essien is also the chairman of the Screening Committee” Hon Nse Essien confirmed.

“After the screening, I was told that I have been disqualified because they claimed that instead of being nominted by local council chairmen whom they say are not members of AKSFA, i should have sought nomination from executive council members. That to me is totally bizarre”

“Well, I still don’t know where they got their guidelines from because as much as I know, the NFF Statutes which is domiciled in the election guidelines used by AKSFA, recommends three local council chairmen endorsement. Also, as an executive committee member of the NFF, I administer the game at the highest level of Nigeria football so I should be able to protect the rules of the owners of the game” Essien emphasized. 

“Like I said earlier,  the decision of the screening committee was upheld by the Electoral Committee, whose chairman is also the chairman of the screening committee. That in itself, is an aberration but because these men desperately want to install their stooge as FA chairman, they overlooked these obvious flaws which has now thrown the process into deep crisis. Beyond that, a lot of things are wrong with AKSFA and the rule book so I think it’s high time the hidden statute be reviewed to conform with the rules of NFF, CAF and FIFA”. 

“Let’s not also forget that there was a court injunction stopping the election. The immediate past Secretary of Uyo Local football council, Edem Tom Okpon had petitioned the NFF through his lawyer Ekanem Ekanem Esq, asking that the election be put on hold until a Federal high Court in Uyo sits on the case filed before it. As law abiding citizens of this great country, once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, I expect that there was no need going ahead with the election, coupled with the fact that the NFF wrote a letter to AKSFA informing them to stay action. 

“You will recall that in the build up to the NFF Election in Edo state, there was a court injunction stopping the process and the NFF made sure that the injunction was vacated before elections were conducted. That is because, as much as we are guided by the laws of FIFA, we cannot disobey the laws of our land because, in the first place, the football association must conform with the rules and regulations of the federal republic of Nigeria

“You can now understand why I insisted that those behind Monday’s election are desperados. That charade they call election cannot stand and in a sane clime, by now, the Nigeria police force should be out there looking for all those who participated in that election as this is a clear case of contempt”. 

“Let me also  inform you guys that the only cleared chairmanship candidate for Monday’s election, happens to be the personal assistant to the current chairman of the Electoral Committee, Chris Essien, when he was chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan local government council in Akwa Ibom state. He is the one they are now pushing forward to be chairman of the state FA”

“I have decided to make these clarifications for posterity sake. It is on record that some persons who passed the sceeening to contest in that illegal election only got three local council chairmen nominations but in my case,  they decided to disqualify me, claiming three nominations was not enough. 

 “I hope with this interview, i have successfully cleared my name of any wrongdoing and also set the records straight” Hon Essien concluded.

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Nigeria Sports News

NFF Rejects FA Election results in Akwa Ibom

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2 days ago

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May 26, 2023

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The Nigeria Football Federation has rejected results from the Akwa Ibom State Football Association elections conducted on Monday May 22.

In a statement on Friday May 26, Head of Member Associations of the NFF, Ali Muhammad Abubakar said the Federation will not identify with the process or its products in line with its last directive.

“However, the NFF is not happy with what happened in Akwa Ibom State, and that is why we have not recognized the so-called elections conducted there.

Elections were held in defiance of a court order. The NFF is a law-abiding organization and will not support anything that is tantamount to disregard and disrespect to the rule of law.”

Recall that the NFF had sent a letter demanding the elections in Akwa Ibom State be put on hold due to lingering litigations.

In a related development, the Nigeria Football Association applauded elections as held in Abia, Zamfara, Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Lagos, Niger and Cross River States.

“The NFF is pleased with the conduct of the elections in most of the States where elections have been held. The rules and regulations, as well as the electoral codes, have been adhered to.

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Football Academy News

Blessed Stars FC storm Rivers State for Player Management Scouting Tournament

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2 days ago

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May 26, 2023

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Blessed Stars vs Akwa United FC friendlies

Rivers State, Nigeria – Blessed Stars FC, a promising football club renowned for nurturing young talents, has arrived in Rivers State with great anticipation for an upcoming Player Management Agency scouting tournament. The tournament, designed to showcase the skills and potential of aspiring footballers, offers an exciting opportunity for Blessed Stars FC to market players who may have the potential to shine in the professional football arena.

The delegation from Blessed Stars FC, led by the club’s management and coaching staff, arrived in Rivers State amidst enthusiasm and high expectations. The tournament, organized by a renowned player management agency, brings together a diverse array of players from various regions, offering a platform for them to showcase their abilities and catch the attention of talent scouts.

The scouting tournament holds immense significance for Blessed Stars FC as they aim to send players to Europe. The club’s management has expressed their commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents, ensuring their growth and development within the footballing ecosystem. Such scouting initiatives have been pivotal in unearthing hidden gems and providing them with a platform to pursue professional careers.

Blessed Stars FC’s participation in the Player Management Scouting Tournament is a testament to their commitment to youth development and their continuous search for promising talents. The club’s management strongly believes in providing opportunities for aspiring footballers, regardless of their backgrounds or previous exposure. They are keen on providing a nurturing environment where young players can thrive, develop their skills, and potentially embark on successful football careers.

As the tournament kicks off, all eyes are on Blessed Stars FC and the talented individuals who will be showcasing their abilities. The players understand the significance of this opportunity and are prepared to give their all on the field, aiming to catch the attention of scouts and secure a place within the esteemed ranks of Blessed Stars FC.

The Player Management Scouting Tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, with Blessed Stars FC at the forefront of talent evaluation and recruitment. The club’s management and coaching staff are determined to make the most of this opportunity, diligently searching for players who will embody the spirit and ambition of Blessed Stars FC.

As the tournament progresses, football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcomes and anticipate the potential additions to the Blessed Stars FC family. The scouting tournament not only holds great importance for the participating players but also serves as a testament to the club’s commitment to fostering a vibrant football community and building a formidable squad capable of achieving greatness on the field.

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Nigeria National League

Is Charles Etim the best defender in the Nigeria National League?

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4 days ago

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May 24, 2023

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Charles Etim Captaining FC ONE ROCKET during a league match

Charles Etim is a true force to be reckoned with in Nigeria’s National League. For years now, he has been making waves as one of the league’s most formidable defenders. It’s no surprise that many consider him to be the best defender in the league.

Etim’s talent on the pitch is undeniable. He has a keen sense of positioning and timing, which allows him to make crucial tackles and interceptions. He is also known for his exceptional ability to read the game, anticipating his opponents’ moves and reacting accordingly.

But it’s not just his on-field abilities that make Etim stand out. He is also a natural leader, both on and off the pitch. He is respected and admired by his teammates for his dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude.

Etim’s contributions to his team cannot be overlooked. He has played a significant role in helping his team secure multiple victories and has been instrumental in their success. It’s clear that the team relies on him to be a steady and reliable presence in defense.

It’s no wonder that there is so much buzz around Etim and his future in the Nigerian football scene. He has already proven himself to be one of the most talented defenders in the country, and there is no doubt that he has a bright future.

Etim has recently helped his team secure a spot in the NNL Super 8 Play-off which may likely see his club FC ONE ROCKET promoted to the NPFL. He has scored 5 goals this season with 3 assist and has played all 9 matches for his team this season.

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