Godswill Akpabio F.C.
| Full name | Godswill Akpabio United Football Club |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 |
| Ground | Uyo Township Stadium |
| Capacity | 5,000 |
| Owner | Godswill Akpabio |
| Chairman | Unoma Akpabio |
| Head coach | Edward Green [1] |
| League | Nigeria National League |
| 2025–26 | Nigeria National League, 7th of 10 (Conference B) |
Godswill Akpabio United Football Club is a professional football club based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The team competes in Nigeria National League, the second level of the Nigerian football league system.
The club was established in 2024 and named after its founder, Godswill Akpabio.[2]
History
Founding
In September 2016, former governor of Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio, revealed his intention to establish a football team. [3] Speaking to journalists, Akpabio said: “I am very determined to have a team, not just a football team but a team in terms of athletics.”
Eight years later, the Essien Udim-born politician turned his dream into reality, with the establishment of Godswill Akpabio United Football Club in September 2024. [4]
The club was officially unveiled on 26 November 2026.[5]
Maiden season
Godswill Akpabio United Football Club was formally launched on 26 November 2024.[6] At the inauguration ceremony, held at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, the club also unveiled 35 players for the 2024–25 Nigeria National League season.[7] They kicked off their campaign with a trip to Gateway United on 7 December 2024. The game finished goalless. [8]
Later on, they found themselves fighting against the drop into the third tier. Despite serious threat of relegation, head coach Patrick Udoh was confident his side would retain their second-tier status. Asked to comment on his team's survival chances in an interview with Complete Sports with just four matches left to play, Udoh said: “No doubt it has been a difficult season. The league is really tough, but I’m confident we’ll retain our NNL spot at the close of the season.” [9]
They ultimately beat the drop on the final day of the season by defeating Gateway United 3-0 at home.[10] The result sent Gateway United back to the Nigeria Nationwide League.
Facilities
Stadium
Godswill Akpabio United play their home matches at Uyo Township Stadium.
The stadium has a current capacity of 5,000 with four stands.
Godswill Akpabio F.C. shares the stadium with Akwa United, Dakkada and Ibom Angels.
Current squad
As of 25 July 2026
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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See also
2025–26 Nigeria National League
References
- ↑ "SPORTNNL: Godswill Akpabio United FC appoint Green new head coach". Daily Post. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
- ↑ "Akpabio Joins League Of Club Owners, Unveils Godswill Akpabio United FC". Leadership News. Leadership (newspaper). 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2026.
- ↑ "Ex-Gov. Akpabio to set up football team soon as 'economy improves'". Premium Times. Retrieved 21 July 2026.
- ↑ "Godswill Akpabio United Football Club Launched in Akwa Ibom". The Trent. Ziza Media. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
- ↑ "NNL 25: Godswill Akpabio United FC Officially Unveiled". Blueprint Newspapers. Retrieved 21 July 2026.
- ↑ "Akpabio Launches Football Club in Uyo". Daily Asset. Retrieved 21 July 2026.
- ↑ "Godswill Akpabio Utd FC unveils 35 players for NNL season". News Diary. Abuja, Nigeria. Retrieved 21 July 2026.
- ↑ "Dakkada FC, Godswill Akpabio United FC, Inter Lagos get away points In draws party: NNL matchday one results for December 7, 2024". Sports Ration. Retrieved 25 July 2026.
- ↑ "NNL: Godswill Akpabio FC will avoid relegation — Udoh". Daily Post. Retrieved 25 July 2026.
- ↑ "Gateway relegated to NLO after 15 years". The Punch. Retrieved 25 July 2026.