Caretaker News

07/10/2026

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have arrived in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, for the WAFU B U17 Tournament, which begins on Saturday.

The tournament serves as a qualification pathway for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria have failed to qualify for the last two editions.

Can this set end the ugly run?

07/10/2026

How Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Is Saving Nigeria From Embarrassment – Mitchell Obi

Veteran broadcaster and journalist Mitchell Obi has raised concerns over the state of sports infrastructure in Nigeria, saying the country has many stadiums but only one currently capable of hosting international football to FIFA and CAF standards.

Obi, a former President of AIPS Africa, identified the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (GAIS) in Uyo as the only Nigerian stadium currently meeting the required standards for international football.

He said the situation shows that Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of stadiums but the failure to properly maintain and manage them.

“If Lionel Messi were to play in Nigeria tomorrow, there is only one venue in the entire country where the match could be sanctioned,” Obi said.

According to him, the situation should lead to serious discussion about how Nigeria plans, manages and maintains its sports facilities.

Nigeria has invested billions of naira in stadiums over the years, including the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the National Stadium in Lagos and the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan.

However, Obi noted that many of these facilities are no longer able to host major international football matches, despite the huge resources spent on them.

He also questioned the economic value of stadiums that remain unused for long periods of the year while governments continue to spend money on their maintenance.

Obi argued that Nigeria needs to move away from seeing stadiums simply as monuments and begin treating them as active sports and business facilities.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, he said, currently stands out as a facility capable of meeting international requirements and helping Nigeria avoid the embarrassment of having to host major matches outside the country.

The stadium has hosted major international football events and has become one of Nigeria’s key venues for high-level football.

05/10/2026

Ibom Air, Etihad Airways Sign Deal To Connect Five Nigerian Cities

Etihad Airways and Ibom Air have signed an interline agreement that will make it easier for international travellers to connect to five Nigerian cities on a single ticket.

The agreement will take effect when Etihad begins its flights to Lagos and Accra in March 2027.

Under the deal, passengers arriving in Lagos or Accra with Etihad can continue their journey on Ibom Air to Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Enugu.

Passengers will only need one booking for the full journey, while their luggage can be checked through to their final destination.

The agreement will also allow connections between Accra and Abuja, as well as Accra and Uyo.

Etihad will begin daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos on March 23, 2027, while its service to Accra will operate four times a week from March 24, 2027.

Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, said the partnership would help the airline expand its presence in Africa.

He said Nigeria was an important part of Etihad’s plans for the continent and praised Ibom Air for building a strong domestic network from Uyo.

Ibom Air Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, described the agreement as a major step for the airline.

He said it would allow international travellers to reach cities served by Ibom Air through a single booking.

Uriesi added that the partnership would position Ibom Air as an important domestic and regional connection for Etihad’s operations in Nigeria and Ghana.

Tickets combining the two airlines’ networks will be available from November 3, 2026.

The agreement is expected to improve air connectivity between Nigeria, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates while giving travellers more convenient options for reaching different parts of Nigeria.

Source: Caretaker News

04/10/2026

Akwa United Players Surprise Chairman Joseph Eno With Birthday Portrait

Akwa United players, led by Head Coach Paul Offor, surprised the club’s Chairman, Mr Joseph Eno, with a special birthday portrait at the Uyo Township Stadium.

The players presented the portrait, which carried different birthday wishes for the chairman, when they met him at the stadium while he was watching a match.

Speaking after receiving the gift, Eno expressed surprise and jokingly said he knew Coach Paul Offor was a good “cook” who had masterminded the surprise, just as he does on the pitch for the team.

The chairman thanked the players for the thoughtful gesture and offered prayers for the team, wishing Akwa United a successful season ahead.

Akwa United are currently preparing for the start of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, with the club hoping to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Eno, a foremost businessman and owner of CampGee Hotel, was appointed Chairman of Akwa United in 2025, succeeding Elder Paul Bassey, following his appointment as Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports Development.

Eno has also recently expanded his involvement in football with the launch of CampGee Football Academy in Uyo.

04/10/2026

RCCG Pastor Dies While Preaching About The Certainty Of Death At Burial

A Resident Pastor of a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Deacon Steve Eyo, has reportedly died after he suddenly collapsed while preaching at a burial ceremony in the community.

Pastor Eyo was delivering a sermon titled, “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond,” when the incident occurred.

During the sermon, he reportedly used a market as an illustration, explaining that some people go to the market early and leave early, while others stay longer before returning home.

He likened this to life, saying that some people leave the world earlier while others live longer.

He also reportedly urged those present to live wisely and prepare for death because it could come at any time.

“Number your days and prepare, for it can happen anytime,” he was quoted as saying.

However, about 15 minutes into the sermon, Pastor Eyo suddenly collapsed, causing his microphone to fall to the ground.

Some people initially thought he was demonstrating the message he had been preaching. They soon realised that he was in serious distress.

Church ministers and members reportedly rushed to his aid, administering first aid and praying for him before he was taken to a nearby hospital.

According to eyewitness accounts, he was transported in the same ambulance that had been hired to convey the remains of the deceased whose burial ceremony they had gathered for.

Sadly, medical personnel reportedly confirmed that Pastor Eyo had died before arriving at the hospital.

His death has left members of the church and others at the burial ceremony shocked, coming moments after he had spoken about the unpredictability of death.

04/10/2026

Prince Ukeme Ukpong Foundation Opens 2026 Scholarship Applications

The Prince Ukeme Ukpong Mega Foundation has opened applications for the 2026 Prince Ukeme Ukpong Education Support Scholarship for deserving Akwa Ibom students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The foundation made the announcement on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2026 edition of Learn, Excel & Empower with Prince Ukeme Ukpong.

According to the foundation, the scholarship is aimed at students who are facing genuine financial challenges but remain determined to continue their education and build careers in their chosen fields.

The scholarship will be presented as a single award during this year’s Learn, Excel & Empower programme.

The foundation encouraged eligible students to see the application as an opportunity to take another step towards completing their education.

The scholarship announcement comes days after the foundation revealed that it had committed ₦18 million to scholarships and business grants for its 2026 empowerment programme.

The 2026 edition is expected to provide support to students, entrepreneurs and underserved communities across Akwa Ibom State.

The foundation said its impact over the years includes 147 tertiary scholarships, 74 school fee payments, 360 educational bursaries and 119 business grants.

It has also supported 23 persons with disabilities and provided 33 livelihood supports, including cars, motorcycles and working tools. More than 1,500 women in underserved communities have also benefited from its interventions.

Overall, the foundation said more than ₦70 million has been committed to education and business support.

Prince Ukeme Ukpong has been involved in philanthropy since 2013, supporting young people and communities through different initiatives.

His activities include an annual community football tournament designed to promote unity, as well as yearly empowerment programmes through which students, entrepreneurs and people in need receive different forms of support.

The 2026 programme continues the foundation’s six-year commitment under the theme, “One More Step.”

The foundation said the goal remains to give people the opportunity to move from a chance to a change.

03/10/2026

SPORTS COMMISSIONER GRACES AFRISPORTPRO YOUTH LEAGUE OPENING DAY IN AKWA IBOM

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, was among football stakeholders who witnessed the opening day of the 2026/2027 AfriSportPro Youth League Akwa Ibom Conference at the Uyo Township Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Bassey, a CAF/FIFA-licensed Match Commissioner and Vice President of the African Clubs Association, was at the stadium alongside other football stakeholders, including Akwa United FC Chairman, Mr Joseph Eno; Akwa United Vice Chairman, Elder Ini Edoho; and Vice President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Lawrence Iquaibom.

The Commissioner watched the final two matches as the opening day produced nine goals across three games.

Akwa United FC Head Coach, Paul Offor, also took the ceremonial kick-off before the first game of the season. His presence provided further support for the young players and teams taking part in the competition.

The opening game saw newly formed CampGee Football Academy make its league debut against Krane FC U19.

CampGee took the lead in the 12th minute when Saviour Francis converted from the penalty spot to score the first goal of the new season in the Akwa Ibom Conference.

Krane FC U19 responded through Christian Samuel, who equalised to make it 1-1. Samuel was later named Player of the Match.

In the second game, Nichin Football Academy recorded a 4-0 victory over Wilnam Pro Football Academy.

Fidelis Effiong, Ifiok George, Ubong Peter and Love Essien scored for Nichin Academy, with Ifiok George named Player of the Match.

Solo Wonders Academy completed the opening-day fixtures with a 2-1 win over Eagle Flair Academy.

Victor Eyakeno scored twice for Solo Wonders and was named Player of the Match. His brace made him the first player to score two goals in a single game in the Akwa Ibom Conference this season.

Eagle Flair's Promise Nwachukwu scored a late penalty, but it was not enough to earn his side a point.

The 2026/2027 AfriSportPro Youth League is being played across ten states, providing academy and grassroots teams with a structured platform for young players to develop and gain visibility.

The Akwa Ibom Conference has 12 teams, with Matchday One spread across two days at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Matchday One continues on Sunday, with 2025 Akwa Ibom Conference winners Blessed Stars Academy facing De Ark FA at 12 noon.

Palm Syrup Feeders will take on Pillar Sports FA at 1:45pm, while Eagle Eye FA will meet Efficient FA at 3:30pm.

01/10/2026

NDC Campaign Organisation Reacts To Reported EFCC Action At Uyo Office

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Governorship Campaign Organisation in Akwa Ibom State has reacted to reports of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) action at its campaign office in Uyo.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the campaign described the reported action as an attempt to distract its governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Dr. Michael Enyong, popularly known as “Babantan”.

The organisation said Enyong remains the party’s governorship candidate and that its campaign structures across the 31 local government areas remain active.

The campaign also said it respects law enforcement agencies and due process, but called on the EFCC to remain neutral and not allow itself to be used for political purposes.

According to the organisation, the reported incident will not stop its campaign activities, saying consultations, grassroots mobilisation and other campaign programmes will continue across the state.

The NDC campaign further urged its supporters and volunteers to remain calm and law-abiding.

The organisation said the “Babantan” movement represents its push for what it described as authentic leadership, economic development and an end to poverty in Akwa Ibom State.

The statement was signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Babantan Governorship Campaign Organisation, NDC, Akwa Ibom State Chapter.

27/09/2026

*Peter Obi was among the spectators at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Sunday as Ikorodu City defeated Rangers International 2-0 in an NPFL Matchday Six fixture.*

NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi was among the spectators at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Sunday as Ikorodu City defeated Rangers International 2-0 in an NPFL Matchday Six fixture.

27/09/2026

OFFICIAL

Itu Local Government Area has been crowned Champions of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

Champions in 2025
Champions AGAIN 🏆🏆

Congratulations 🍾 to Itu Local Government Area!