I’m receding from Akwa United Board - Isong Isang

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The Board chairman of Akwa United Football Club, Obong Isong Isang says he is considering stepping down from his position due to his health condition.

Obong Isang made the disclosure last Friday during a media chat with members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Uyo.

He said having chaired the club for some years now, and on the advice of the doctor, it is necessary for him to step down to allow him have a rest of mind. His words “i must be receding from football chairmanship by reason of health. I’m not feeling too strong, so i must recede, but how i will do it, i don’t know, until probably when I see my boss, Governor Godswill Akpabio who appointed me”.

The club chairman while calling on cooperation from sports stakeholders in the State as well as fans, he called on the people of the state to bring good suggestions that could move Akwa United F.C. forward so that the new chairman that will succeed him will not face what he passed through during his tenure.

Obong Isang further said though he tried his best to ensure that the club make it to the continental competition every football season, but he was disappointed that Akwa United finished 16th position on the league table even as he described Akwa United as one of the best clubs in the Nigeria Professional League.

The chairman also said that as he is receding, the club is not owing anybody, adding that the 200million that was released by the State Government to the club, he had used it to pay all the salaries and match bonuses, sign-on fees including the club’s creditors even as he pledge his continued support to whoever that will succeed him.

On the rumour going round the State that Akwa United Head Coach Patrick Udoh was sacked, Obong Isong Isang said “we didn’t sack Patrick Udoh, but the truth is that his contract expired, that was why we told him to step aside for now. I never doubted the ability of Patrick Udoh as a coach. But also, we must tell ourselves the truth, Patrick Udoh does not understand the league, but on technical ability, i score him very high”.

In conclusion, the chairman thanked everybody who had supported him in one way or the other for him to succeed during his tenure, while also appealing for the same cooperation to be extended to the incoming club chairman and his board members.