Sports Recorder

A' Ibom Sports Commissioner Supports Hon. Nse Essien's Second-Term Quest in NFF

By Sports Recorder

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has officially endorsed the second-term bid of Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, Ph.D., for re-election as Executive Member representing the South-South Zone on the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), ahead of next month's Elective Congress scheduled to hold in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Elder Bassey declared his support when Rt. Hon. Essien paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday. He was accompanied by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh.

Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner described Rt. Hon. Essien as a seasoned sports administrator whose passion and commitment to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria have remained unwavering.

"Having represented the South-South well during your first term as Executive Member of the Nigeria Football Federation, and considering your experience, capacity, and passion for service, I have no hesitation in endorsing your second-term bid.

"Sports administration in this country requires leaders with commitment and genuine passion, qualities you have consistently demonstrated through your service in the NFF and your personal investments in sports. I wish you success at the forthcoming Elective Congress and an even more impactful tenure."

Rt. Hon. Essien, who was first elected to the NFF Executive Committee in 2022 as the South-South representative, is seeking another four-year term in the same capacity. He is the Proprietor and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National League side FC One Rocket and also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Association.

Responding, Rt. Hon. Essien expressed appreciation to the Commissioner, describing Elder Paul Bassey as one of Nigeria's most respected sports administrators. He said his visit was to seek the Commissioner's blessings and support ahead of the election.

"Sir, I came to formally inform you that I am seeking a second term as Executive Member of the Nigeria Football Federation and to present my nomination form while requesting your fatherly blessings and support.

"During my first term, I played a role in bringing several Super Eagles matches to Uyo and also supported talented youths from our state to participate in national programmes, providing them with both national and international exposure. By the grace of God, if re-elected, I will continue to use my position to ensure that more young people from the South-South benefit from the NFF's football development programmes."

Rt. Hon. Nse Essien is a former two-term member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, where he represented Onna State Constituency. He currently serves as Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Labour and Industrial Committee.

SPORTS: Akwa Ibom Stars Set For Glasgow Commonwealth Games
--Iquaibom leads state contingent, hails Gov Eno's investment in sports

By Solomon OKPO/Edidiong STEPHEN

UYO, Akwa Ibom State will once again be in the global sporting spotlight as a number of its distinguished athletes and officials have been selected to represent Nigeria at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.

Heading the state's contingent is internationally acclaimed weightlifting official, Lawrence Iquaibom, who has been appointed as an International Technical Official (ITO) for weightlifting at the Games.

The appointment makes Iquaibom the only Nigerian weightlifting official selected in that capacity and one of just five Africans entrusted with officiating the event. He currently serves as Vice President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and has maintained an impressive presence at major continental and global championships over the past decade.

A former Commonwealth weightlifting gold medallist and Olympian, the Mkpat Enin-born sports administrator enjoyed a distinguished competitive career before retiring from the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service as Director of Sports.

In a letter signed by the Director of Sports for Glasgow 2026, Natalie Cunningham, the Organising Committee confirmed his appointment, stating that his selection followed his nomination by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and approval by Commonwealth Sport.

The letter noted that as a Technical Official, Iquaibom would play a pivotal role in delivering "a truly transformative moment for the Commonwealth Sports Movement."

Also flying Nigeria's flag is Africa's celebrated weightlifting champion, Edidiong Umoafia, who returns to the Commonwealth Games aiming to improve on the bronze medal he won at the Birmingham 2022 Games.

Fresh from winning one gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the recent Islamic Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Umoafia is expected to spearhead Nigeria's challenge alongside Ruth Asuquo, who recently claimed three gold medals at the African Weightlifting Championships in Egypt. Both athletes are part of Nigeria's eight-member weightlifting squad made up of three men and five women.

Akwa Ibom will also be represented in judo by National Sports Festival multiple gold medallist Enku Ewa, who is widely regarded as one of Nigeria's brightest medal prospects. Ewa, whose mother is the Director of Coaching in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports, a board member of the Nigeria Judo Federation and an Olympian, continues a proud family sporting tradition.

Speaking in Uyo ahead of the Games, Iquaibom expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to sports development in Akwa Ibom.

He credited the Governor's sustained investment in sports, including the successful hosting of the State Sports Festival and the provision of modern sporting equipment, for creating an enabling environment that continues to produce athletes and technical officials capable of competing on the world stage.

Iquaibom also commended the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, for effectively driving the Governor's vision for sports development, describing him as the ideal administrator to lead the state's ongoing sporting renaissance.

In his remarks, Bassey said the impressive representation of Akwa Ibom at the Commonwealth Games reflects the administration's sustained investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development and human capacity building.

According to the Commissioner, the participation of the state's athletes and officials further reinforces Akwa Ibom's reputation as one of Nigeria's leading sports powerhouses while inspiring the next generation of young talents to pursue excellence on the international stage.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, featuring 10 core sports alongside an integrated para-sports programme across four iconic venues. Akwa Ibom's representatives are expected to play key roles as Nigeria seeks honours at one of the Commonwealth's biggest sporting events.

SPORTS: Argentina Overcome England, Advance to World Cup Final

By Sports Recorder Newspaper | July 16, 2026.

Argentina fightback sank England as they booked 2026 World Cup final spot as MetLife Stadium, New Jersey is set to witness the end of the first 48-team tournament on Sunday.

Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd-minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired World Cup holders Argentina to a stunning comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a final with European champions Spain.

England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead 10 minutes after half-time in the semi-final in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.

Messi set up Enzo Fernandez to fire in an 85th-minute equaliser and then, with extra time looming, crossed for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.

Diego Maradona’s legendary display put England to the sword in 1986, but the goals this time brought Argentina back from the dead and kept alive their hopes of winning back-to-back World Cups.

No team has retained the trophy since Brazil in 1962, and now Messi will become just the second player after Brazilian great Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals.

Messi had waited until the age of 39 to get the chance to play against England, and now he will face Spain for the first time in a competitive game.

His career appeared to be complete when he dragged Argentina to glory in 2022 in Qatar, but he is clearly not done yet.

England, though, will have huge regrets as they head to Miami to play France in Saturday’s third-place play-off, a game neither team will want to contest.

The prospect of a first World Cup final appearance since their sole triumph 60 years ago was a momentous one, and they were so close, but will live to regret sitting back after Gordon’s opener.

The key men for Thomas Tuchel’s side during this campaign have been Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane, yet they failed to deliver on this occasion, and England’s players slumped to the turf at full time.

Given the deep-rooted rivalry between these nations, this was always likely to be a game with an edge and there was a tangible feeling of tension in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Argentina’s players were clearly fired up, partly by a determination to hold onto their World Cup crown but also by a sense of what this fixture means.

That translated into a niggly contest pockmarked by fouls in the first half, including Elliot Anderson being booked for scything down Messi.

There were no real chances to speak of in the first half, but England struck in the 55th minute.

Kane was involved in the build-up as the ball eventually came to Morgan Rogers on the right, and he whipped in a low cross towards the back post where Gordon stole in front of Nahuel Molina to score.

But this was the stadium where Argentina produced a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt in the last 16, and they were not done.

They threw everything at their opponents, as Jordan Pickford made a great save from a Nico Gonzalez header, and Alexis Mac Allister was then denied by the post in the 76th minute.

Fernandez was denied from range by Pickford, but moments later he equalised, controlling a Messi pass on the edge of the area and letting fly past the goalkeeper.

Argentina smelled blood, and Mac Allister again hit the post before England failed to clear and Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner from an exquisite Messi cross to spark chaotic scenes of celebration and leave England completely deflated.

SPORTS: Morocco beat Canada to reach q/finals in 2026 World Cup

By Sports Recorder Newspaper

Morocco booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash at the Houston Stadium.

The African champions sealed victory with two second-half goals from Azzedine Ounahi—his first-ever FIFA World Cup goals—and a stoppage-time strike from Soufiane Rahimi to secure back-to-back World Cup quarter-final appearances and end Canada’s campaign.

Canada entered the match seeking consecutive victories in FIFA World Cup knockout matches after recording their first-ever knockout win against South Africa. However, they were frustrated by a disciplined and confident Morocco side that remained composed despite the co-hosts’ high-tempo approach.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side gradually took control of the contest and broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. Azzedine Ounahi fired home from the edge of the box after Achraf Hakimi cleverly played a short free-kick into his path.

Canada pressed for an equaliser, with Jonathan David sending a free-kick over the crossbar and Tajon Buchanan testing Bounou from long range. But Morocco doubled their advantage when Ounahi finished brilliantly into the top corner after being played through by Brahim Diaz on a swift counterattack.

Rahimi, who had earlier struck the crossbar, completed the scoring six minutes into stoppage time, calmly converting another assist from Diaz to spark celebrations on the Moroccan bench.

The victory sends Morocco into the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament, making them the first African nation to reach the last eight in back-to-back FIFA World Cups.

Morocco will face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-final at Boston Stadium on Thursday, June 9.

SPORTS: Akwa Ibom Tennis Stars Earn Sports Commissioner's Praise After National Triumphs

By Solomon OKPO

The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has commended four outstanding young tennis players from Akwa Ibom State for their remarkable performances in major national championships, describing their achievements as another milestone in the state's growing record of sporting excellence.

The athletes, Etoro Bassey, Wisdom Effiong, Favour James and God's Miracle Essien, were received by the Commissioner on Tuesday, June 30, following their successful participation in a series of prestigious competitions, including the ITF J30 Abuja, the DAVNOTCH National Open Tennis Championship and the CBN National Open Tennis Championship held in Abuja.

Speaking during the reception, Elder Bassey praised the athletes for flying the state's flag with distinction and bringing home medals from highly competitive tournaments involving some of the country's finest players.

He noted that by competing for World Junior Ranking points against players from countries such as the United States, India, China and Canada, the young tennis stars had not only gained valuable international exposure but had also projected Akwa Ibom positively on the national and global tennis scene.

Expressing gratitude to God for preserving the athletes throughout the competitions, the Commissioner also commended Governor Pastor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to sports development in the state. According to him, the Governor's sustained investment in sports has created an enabling environment that continues to produce outstanding results across various sporting disciplines.

Describing the recent achievements as a "harvest of sports successes," Elder Bassey assured the athletes of the Ministry's continued support, stressing that the state government remains committed to nurturing talents and encouraging excellence in sports.

Among the highlights of the championships was Etoro Bassey's outstanding performance at the CBN National Open Tennis Championship, where she emerged champion in the Ladies' Singles event. She also teamed up with Favour James to finish as runners-up in the Ladies' Doubles competition.

Etoro continued her impressive run at the DAVNOTCH National Open Tennis Championship, where she defeated several top-ranked players, including Nigeria's current women's number one, to win the Ladies' Singles title. Her victory earned her a place in the national camp ahead of the forthcoming Billie Jean King Cup scheduled to hold in Botswana.

The feat also saw Etoro Bassey make history as the first female tennis player from Akwa Ibom State to win the CBN National Open Tennis Championship title in 47 years.

The reception concluded with special prayers for the athletes during the Ministry of Sports' weekly chapel service, as officials prayed for greater success in their future competitions.

Sports Commissioner Partners Aka Offot Community To Strengthen Uyo Stadium Security
--Traditional rulers, youth leaders pledge support against vandalism

By Solomon OKPO, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has initiated a partnership with the leadership of Aka Offot community to enhance security at the Uyo Township Stadium and curb incidents of vandalism and theft.

The initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno's policy of integrating village youth presidents into the state's security framework to safeguard lives and public infrastructure.

Speaking during a meeting held on Monday at the palace of the Village Head of Aka Offot, Elder Bassey engaged the Village Head, Obong Anthony Ekanem, and the community's Youth President, Comrade Ifiok Asian, on the need for stronger community participation in protecting the stadium.

The Commissioner commended Governor Eno for his respect for traditional institutions, describing it as a key pillar of the ARISE Agenda that has contributed significantly to the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom State. He also praised the Governor's decision to incorporate village youth presidents into the state's security architecture.

Elder Bassey explained that the meeting was aimed at fostering a sense of ownership of the stadium among youths in the host community, following reports linking recent cases of theft and vandalism at the facility to individuals allegedly from Aka Offot.

While condemning the destruction of public property, he urged the youth leadership to take greater responsibility in mobilising young people to protect the stadium and preserve government investments.

Responding, the Village Head, Obong Anthony Ekanem, congratulated Elder Bassey on his appointment and applauded the progress recorded in the sports sector under his leadership.

On the allegations involving youths from the community, the traditional ruler stated that he had not been officially briefed on any such incidents. He nevertheless assured the Commissioner of the community's support and encouraged him to remain committed to advancing sports development in the state.

Also speaking, Youth President Comrade Ifiok Asian clarified that many of the allegations did not directly implicate indigenes of Aka Offot, noting that in one reported incident, the suspect merely claimed to be from the community.

He disclosed that he assumed office only four months ago and pledged to intensify efforts toward ensuring the security of the Uyo Township Stadium through closer collaboration with relevant authorities.

The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia; the Assistant Director of Administration, Mr. James James; the Manager of Uyo Township Stadium, Mr. John Udo; and the Manager of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Mr. Kufre Etukudo.

Sports Recorder

SPORTS: Brazil Edge Japan 2-1 To Book Knockout Stage Spot

By Sports Recorder Newspaper

Brazil secured a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup after Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic late winner to seal a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan.

The South American giants were pushed to the limit by a resilient Japanese side, which delivered a spirited performance and threatened to force the contest into extra time. However, Martinelli rose to the occasion with a decisive late goal, ensuring Brazil progressed to the knockout stage.

Japan matched Brazil for long periods with disciplined defending and determined attacking play, but their hopes of advancing were dashed in the closing moments as Martinelli's strike proved the difference.

The victory keeps Brazil's quest for another World Cup title alive, while Japan bows out of the tournament with pride after an impressive and courageous campaign that earned admiration from fans and neutrals alike.

Brazil will now turn their attention to the Round of 16, where they will aim to build on their winning momentum in pursuit of World Cup glory.

Sports Community Celebrates New UNIUYO VC With Novelty Match As Commissioner Hails Ekong’s Legacy
---Bassey says the former Sports Commissioner has “paid his dues” to deserve honour

By Solomon OKPO

* www.theevangelist.com.ng

Solomon Okpo (@solomonokpo) on Threads • Sports Community Celebrates New UNIUYO VC With Novelty Match As Commissioner Hails Ekong’s Legacy ---Bassey says the former Sports Commissioner has “paid his dues” to deserve honour By Solomon OKPO

Sports Community Celebrates New UNIUYO VC With Novelty Match As Commissioner Hails Ekong’s Legacy
---Bassey says the former Sports Commissioner has “paid his dues” to deserve honour

By Solomon OKPO

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has paid glowing tribute to the newly inaugurated Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, describing him as a distinguished sports administrator whose contributions to sports development in the state make him deserving of the honour recently accorded him by the sports community.

Elder Bassey made the remarks during a novelty football match organised in honour of Professor Ekong following his inauguration as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo.

The match, held on Saturday at the Uyo Township Stadium, featured the Council of Presidents, Akwa Ibom All Stars International, against Akwa United Former Players. The event attracted prominent personalities from the sports, media and academic communities.

Speaking shortly after the kickoff, the Sports Commissioner noted that the decision to organise the match was fitting, considering Professor Ekong’s longstanding commitment to sports development in Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the Vice Chancellor remains a respected member of the sports family whose passion, dedication and support for sporting activities have left lasting impacts on the sector.

“On behalf of the sports community, I congratulate the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo. This is his family and background. The sports community in Akwa Ibom State is privileged to have him leading the University of Uyo. He has paid his dues and truly deserves this honour,” Bassey said.
He further commended Professor Ekong’s enduring love for sports, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the sector.

Explaining the significance of the event, the Commissioner said the novelty match was organised to celebrate the Vice Chancellor’s elevation, appreciate his contributions to sports and strengthen the bond between him and the sporting community.

“We felt it was necessary to thank God on his behalf, celebrate him, and remind him that the sports community remains his family,” he added.
Responding, Professor Ekong expressed gratitude to the organisers, participating teams and the wider football community for the honour bestowed on him.

The Vice Chancellor described the encounter as a “no victor, no vanquished” affair, despite Akwa United Former Players securing a 3-1 victory over the Council of Presidents, Akwa Ibom All Stars International.
He praised both teams for their sportsmanship and commitment, while also commending Elder Paul Bassey for his unwavering support for sports development in the state.

Professor Ekong pledged continued collaboration between the University of Uyo and the Ministry of Sports to further advance football and other sporting activities in Akwa Ibom.

A major highlight of the event was the decoration of players, officials and distinguished guests, alongside the donation of footballs, jerseys and other sporting kits by a United States-based alumnus of the University of Uyo, Akprawa Etukad Ubon. The donor said the gesture was aimed at supporting the Vice Chancellor’s vision of promoting football development within the university.

Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, a former Commissioner for Sports in Akwa Ibom State, served as Chairman of Akwa United Football Club between 2003 and 2008 and currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the All Stars Football Club, Akwa Ibom State.

* www.theevangelist.com.ng

AMAKU: Eket’s Football Icon Still Ready For Service At 68
* From Green Eagles to Europe, Veteran Star Remains a Beacon of Hope for Grassroots Football

By Solomon OKPO | June 14, 2026.

In the rich history of Nigerian football, many legends have graced the pitch, inspired young talents, and proudly represented the nation at home and abroad. One such remarkable figure is Jonathan Amaku, an illustrious son of Afaha Eket in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, whose football journey spans over five decades of excellence, discipline, and service.

Amaku's football story began in 1975 when he became one of the founding players of the renowned Mobil Pegasus Football Club, a team that nurtured several talented footballers in the oil-rich region. His leadership qualities quickly became evident as he captained Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket, during the 1977/78 academic session.

His outstanding performances earned him a place in Cross River's contingent to three National Sports Festivals, Kaduna '77, Oluyole '79, and Bendel '81, where he distinguished himself as one of the state's finest football ambassadors.
The talented midfielder's rise continued when he was invited to the Junior Eagles in 1982 before earning a place in Nigeria's senior national team, the Green Eagles, in 1983 and 1984. Wearing the national colours remains one of the proudest moments of his illustrious career.

Amaku's club football career saw him feature for some of Nigeria's notable teams, including Abiola Babes Football Club in 1986 and Calabar Rovers in 1987. His brilliance on the field soon attracted international attention.
In 1988, he embarked on a professional football adventure in Europe, playing in Holland, France, Belgium, and Germany. The experience exposed him to modern football systems and enriched his understanding of the game at the highest levels.

Beyond his achievements as a footballer, Jonathan Amaku has continued to contribute to grassroots sports development. For about four years, he successfully organized annual football tournaments in the Afaha Eket community, creating opportunities for young talents to showcase their abilities and pursue their dreams.

Away from football, Amaku distinguished himself academically and professionally. He obtained qualifications in Public Administration, Security Organisation and Management, and Supervisory Management from the University of Lagos, Kaduna Polytechnic, Abia State Polytechnic, and the Institute of Supervisory Management, Essex, United Kingdom.

He also served meritoriously as a staff member of the NNPC Refinery and Petrochemical Company in Kaduna before retirement.
Today, at the age of 68, Jonathan Amaku remains strong, energetic, and passionate about football. He believes his wealth of experience gathered from both local and international football can still be deployed in developing young players and managing football academies or club sides within Akwa Ibom State and beyond.

His life story stands as a testimony that dedication, discipline, and commitment can create a legacy that transcends generations. As Nigerian football continues to seek experienced hands to mentor emerging talents, Jonathan Amaku remains a valuable asset whose knowledge and expertise deserve recognition and utilization.

Indeed, from the football fields of Afaha Eket to the stadiums of Europe, Jonathan Amaku's journey remains a shining example of excellence, patriotism, and enduring service to the beautiful game.

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