Akwa Ibom FA Hails NFF for Choosing Uyo to Host Rangers, Rivers Federation Cup Clash

Akwa Ibom FA Hails NFF for Choosing Uyo to Host Rangers, Rivers Federation Cup Clash

 ____Commends Governor Umo Eno, Sports Commissioner Elder Paul Bassey for securing Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as match venue

The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh, has applauded the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for selecting Uyo as the host city for the high-profile President Federation Cup Round of 32 clash between Rangers International and Rivers United FC.

The blockbuster fixture is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 1, 2026, by 4pm at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Speaking on the development, Umoh described the fixture as one of the biggest domestic games in Nigerian football at the moment, especially after both clubs battled fiercely for the Nigeria Premier Football League title until the final day of the season.

Rangers International eventually emerged league champions after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City in Lagos, edging Rivers United by just one point to clinch the title.

Both sides will now shift focus to the President Federation Cup as they continue their chase for silverware, with football lovers expected to troop into Uyo for the encounter.

Rangers International and Rivers United are familiar with the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, having used the facility as their venue for CAF club competitions. 

Akwa Ibom State FA Chairman Mr Samuel Umoh thanked the NFF for approving Uyo as host city for the eagerly anticipated fixture.

“We are truly grateful to the Nigeria Football Federation for finding Uyo worthy to host this top-class President Federation Cup game involving the league champions Rangers International and runners-up Rivers United. This is a major football fixture and one that fans across the country are looking forward to. The decision by the NFF once again shows the confidence they have in Akwa Ibom State’s ability to host major football matches successfully.”

The Akwa Ibom FA Chairman also expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for approving the use of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for the match.

According to him, although the NFF had initially designated the Uyo Township Stadium for the fixture, the intervention of the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, ensured that the game would now be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“I want to specially thank His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, for approving the use of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for this prestigious game. While the NFF initially assigned the Uyo Township Stadium for the match, the Akwa Ibom State Government, through the efforts of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, ensured that the game will now be played at the best football facility in the country.

“The Governor Umo Eno-led administration deserves great commendation for the excellent maintenance of sports facilities in the state. We must also appreciate Elder Paul Bassey, who received the news of the game coming to Uyo with great excitement and worked tirelessly to make sure the fixture is hosted at a world-class venue befitting both teams and the occasion.”

Umoh further called on football stakeholders, supporters and lovers of the game across Akwa Ibom State and beyond to come out in large numbers to witness what he described as a “massive football spectacle.”

“I want to call on all football stakeholders, supporters and fans to come out en masse and enjoy this massive encounter between the Nigerian league champions and the runners-up. This is a big match that promises excitement, quality football and a great atmosphere. Uyo is ready to welcome both teams and football fans from across the country.”