Akwa Ibom blasts false claims on Uyo stadium funding

...Says Super Eagles players never paid a dime

..Uyo stadium facility remains world-class – Elder Paul Bassey

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

 

 

The Akwa Ibom State Government has firmly debunked reports suggesting Super Eagles players contributed money for the renovation of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, describing the claims as false, misleading, and embarrassing.

Speaking to journalists, the Commissioner for Information, Honourable Aniekan Umanah, alongside Sports Commissioner Elder Paul Bassey, made it clear that the stadium is fully maintained by the state government, with no financial input from players or private individuals.

They stressed that the Uyo facility remains in top condition, insisting it is still one of the finest football venues globally and currently Nigeria’s only stadium approved by both CAF and FIFA for international fixtures.

According to the commissioners, maintenance of the stadium is handled under a running contract with Julius Berger Plc, ensuring a pristine playing surface, modern dressing rooms, standard floodlights, and a fully operational electronic scoreboard, all of which were in use during the Super Eagles’ last outing in Uyo.

Reinforcing the state’s position, the government pointed to its recent recognition by Sportsville as Nigeria’s best in sports infrastructure, describing the award as proof of sustained investment in the sector.

Elder Bassey added that the stadium has hosted the Super Eagles for over a decade without complaints, with the state consistently catering to the team’s logistics and welfare.

Reacting to the viral claims, Super Eagles Secretary, Mr. Enebi Achor, labelled the report “embarrassing,” revealing that players were surprised by the narrative and questioned its source.

The government warned against the spread of fake news, urging bloggers and media platforms to verify information before publication, while reiterating its commitment to sports development under Governor Umo Eno.

It also called on the public to disregard the report, describing it as a smear campaign that will not derail ongoing efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and talent development in the state.