Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Anambra and the Management of Akwa United Football Club have condemned the armed robbery attack on FC Ifeanyi Ubah on Friday.
The players and their Coaching crew were on their way to Kano to honour their Week Six fixtures against Jigawa Golden Stars when they were attacked at Kabba Junction near Lokoja in Kogi State.
In separate statements, SWAN and Akwa United FC Management expressed their solidarity with FC Ifeanyi Ubah.
A statement signed by Mfon Patrick, the Media Officer, Akwa United FC, on Saturday said: “The Management, players, and the entire staff of Akwa United Football Club sympathize with FC Ifeanyi Ubah over the arm robbery attack on the team on their way to Kano for their NPFL Matchday 6 game against Jigawa Golden Stars.
“Attacks like this on a football team is an attempt to discourage the growth of football in Nigeria, as well as intimidate innocent citizens and we condemn it in totality. We are grateful to God that no life was lost during the attack, and we pray for speedy recovery on all injured members of the team.”
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Patrick appealed to the Federal government to live up to its primary responsibility of ensuring adequate security on the roads and called on security agencies to redouble their efforts in protecting lives and property of all citizens in Nigeria.
SWAN, Anambra Chapter, in a statement signed by Anthony Oji and Chimezie Anaso, Chairman and Secretary respectively said: “Members of SWAN Anambra Chapter wish to express their strong solidarity with FC Ifeanyi Ubah, the flagship Football Club of Anambra state at this time of momentary shock.
“Anambra SWAN regret and condemn the incident which occurred on Nov. 29 and caused gun injuries to two occupants of the vehicle conveying the team to their NPFL M D 6 Week match against Jigawa Golden Star in Kano.
“We thank God that no life was lost while we pray for quick recovery of those who were injured, more importantly that the trauma of the unfortunate attack may evaporate from the psyche of the team.
“For us, it is a message of both congratulations and solidarity to the team because FCIU will later today, Saturday Nov. 30 be recognised as the Most Successful Football Club in Anambra at the Lecture/Recognition Night of the Anambra SWAN Week in Awka.”
