Former Sporting Lagos gaffer, Paul Offor is on the verge of becoming Akwa United new head coach ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season.
Although the deal is not yet official, sources suggest it is in advanced stages, with only paperwork left before confirmation.
Offor, who recently managed lower-league outfit Grassrunners FC, announced his departure via social media, expressing gratitude for his time at the club.
His likely appointment comes as Akwa United prepare for life in the Nigeria National League (NNL) after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign ended in relegation.
Paul offor had signed for Kano Pillars after he was sacked by Sporting Lagos but the deal was terminated before the season 2024/2025 kicked off . Photo Credit: X
The Promise Keepers endured a frustrating season across 38 matches recording 12 wins, 8 draws, and 18 losses. In 28.95% of matches, total goals exceeded 2.5, while 65.79% saw over 1.5 goals scored.
READ MORE: faith-and-football-ajibade-celebrates-wafcon-win-at-mfm-church
The collapse followed three unstable seasons that saw several managerial changes. Deji Ayeni, who replaced 2021 title-winning coach Kennedy Boboye, failed to steer the club to the NPFL Super Six.
His successor, Fatai Osho, struggled to manage a squad marred by quality issues, winning just 3 of 13 games.
Mohammed Babaganaru rescued the team from relegation in the 2023/24 season with a late charge to 49 points, but a poor start to the following season just 4 wins in 16 games saw him sacked.
The club gambled and reappointed Boboye, but his return ended in disappointment as Akwa United were relegated confirming their worst league finish in years.
Former gaffer Kennedy Boboye. Photo Credit: X
Off the pitch, significant restructuring is also underway. Elder Paul Bassey, who served as club chairman during its most successful era winning the NPFL in 2021 and lifting two Federation Cups was recently appointed Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports by Governor Pastor Umo Eno.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
In his capacity as Commissioner, Bassey oversaw the dissolution of the boards of all state-owned football clubs shortly after the season concluded.
While Akwa United currently operates without an official board, Bassey continues to supervise its affairs, as the club falls under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
