2024/2025 NPFL Season: Akwa United confirms vacancy in its Technical Adviser's role

Posted : 11 December 2024

Following the footsteps of the former Technical Adviser, Fatai Osho, the current Technical Adviser, Muhammed Babaganaru, has also resigned after a poor run of results as Akwa United FC's head coach.

Babaganaru’s resignation marks the third managerial departure in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. The first coach to step down was Bright Osadegbe of league debutants Ikorodu City FC, followed by Bendel Insurance FC's coach, Monday Osagie. Now, Babaganaru has joined the list.

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Akwa United FC’s management officially announced Babaganaru’s resignation following the team’s 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance on Monday night.

The resignation comes amid a challenging season for the club, which currently sits at the bottom of the league table after 16 rounds of matches.

In a statement released by the club’s media director, Mfon Patrick, the management expressed gratitude to Babaganaru for his contributions during his tenure, particularly last season when he played a pivotal role in helping the club avoid relegation.

Akwa United’s chairman, Elder Paul Bassey, commented on the resignation, acknowledging the coach’s professionalism and achievements.

“In football tradition around the world, when results are not forthcoming, coaches often bear the brunt of poor form, regardless of their previous successes. Muhammed Babaganaru is a good coach with a distinguished career in Nigerian football, having won trophies with several clubs, but things simply didn’t work out this season,” Bassey stated.

He added, “Babaganaru joined us last season and made a significant contribution in helping us avoid relegation, and we will always be grateful for that. However, our current position in the league standings does not reflect his hard work. Akwa United is a club with a rich history and pedigree, and struggling in the relegation zone is unacceptable. We must take decisive action to turn things around.”

Bassey emphasized that Babaganaru’s resignation alone will not solve the club’s challenges. “We are not satisfied with the performance of our players and are already planning to strengthen the team during the mid-season transfer window in January,” he noted.

He also praised Babaganaru’s character, saying, “He is a gentleman, hardworking, humble, and a true team player. It has been a pleasure working with him. We accept his resignation in good faith and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

For now, the team psychologist, Coach Ime Uko, will step in as interim Technical Adviser. The assistant coaching staff, led by Coach Umar Abdullahi, will manage the team’s daily activities until a permanent head coach is appointed.

Akwa United, which won the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) title in 2021 and has twice lifted the FA Cup, currently sits in the relegation zone with 16 points from 16 games, recording four wins, four draws, and eight losses this season.

2024/2025 NPFL Season: Akwa United confirms vacancy in its Technical Adviser's role

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