‘Akwa Ibom is home of Nigerian football’ – NFF President declares at one-day ‘Football Governance and Leadership’ seminar organized by the Akwa Ibom State FA

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Football Association for its contributions to the development of Nigerian football, describing Akwa Ibom as the home of the nation’s football.

Gusau made the remarks while declaring open the “Football Governance and Leadership” seminar, organised by the Akwa Ibom State Football Association under the leadership of Mr. Samuel Umoh. The event was held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

“I must express my gratitude to God and to the stakeholders for electing your chairman to lead you,” Gusau said. “I have seen his commitment, doggedness, and vision to ensure football develops in Akwa Ibom State. The only thing he needs is your support to succeed. On our part, I assure you of the NFF’s unwavering support to make sure football continues to thrive here.”

The NFF president highlighted Akwa Ibom’s role in Nigerian football’s success, referencing the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), secured at the same venue.

“When you talk about Nigerian football, Akwa Ibom is our home. We celebrated qualifying for the 2025 AFCON here, and I believe people need to celebrate with Akwa Ibom for making it happen. I also thank the people of Akwa Ibom for providing a conducive environment for our qualifiers, which we wrapped up with two games to spare,” Gusau added.

Gusau urged participants at the seminar to use the knowledge gained to develop football talents at the grassroots level. “The picture of Nigerian football lies at the grassroots. From this seminar, we expect participants to take the insights gained to identify and nurture talents in their local councils,” he stated.

The seminar featured a keynote lecture on the theme Football Governance and Leadership delivered by the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Muhammad Sanusi. Chairman of the NFF technical committee, Alhaji Sheriff Inuwa (Ahlan), also delivered speech at the seminar which had in attendance all members of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association board, Local Council Chairmen and key football stakeholders prominent amongst them, the Chairman of Akwa United FC and leader of the Stakeholders committee, Elder Paul Bassey.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are set to host Rwanda in their final AFCON qualifier on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the same venue. The team has already sealed qualification for the tournament, topping their group with 11 points.

This seminar and upcoming match further solidify Akwa Ibom’s growing status as a central hub for Nigerian football development and celebration.