Former Nigeria youth international goalkeeper, Bassey Akpan, recently shared his heart-wrenching sentiments with Completesports.com regarding the demotion of the Promise Keepers – Akwa United – to the second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL). With a career that spans both playing and coaching roles, Akpan expressed that this turn of events marks the lowest point in his involvement with the team.
“It’s like a bone stuck in the throat — difficult to swallow or regurgitate,”
described Bassey when recounting the emotional toll of watching Akwa United face relegation. His journey with the team includes being Nigeria’s U-17 national team goalkeeper during the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in Trinidad & Tobago and currently serving as their goalkeepers’ coach. This transition from player to mentor has given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the team.
“This is my second year in coaching, and I think seeing Akwa United relegated is the saddest moment in my entire career,”
lamented Bassey, highlighting how deeply impactful this event has been for him personally. The pain of defeat resonates through his words as he struggles to come to terms with their sudden downfall.
The final blow came during a match against Heartland in Owerri where
“Akwa United lost 1-2”
, sealing their fate and plunging them into a different league. The abrupt end to their season left players, officials, and supporters reeling from this unexpected turn of events.
As reported by Completesports.com, following the conclusion of the 2024/2025 NPFL campaign, Elder Paul Bassey – Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports – addressed club members about impending changes due to their relegation status. He urged players with expiring contracts to make their intentions known promptly while hinting at possible adjustments in salaries reflective of their new league placement. The assurance given regarding settling outstanding salaries seeks to provide some stability amidst uncertainty.
In moments like these, it becomes evident that sports go beyond mere competition; they embody emotions, hopes dashed or realized, and resilience tested under challenging circumstances. Bassey’s experience sheds light on how deeply intertwined personal investment can become within a sporting environment. Passion fuels dedication but also intensifies disappointment when outcomes defy expectations.
Through Bassey’s narrative, we witness not just an account of a sports team’s journey but also an insight into human perseverance amid setbacks. His candid reflections offer glimpses into the intricate tapestry woven by victories and defeats within athletic pursuits.
As reported by www.completesportsnigeria.com
Source: [Completesportsnigeria](https://www.completesports.com/npfl-akwa-united-relegation-saddest-moment-of-my-career-goalkeeper-coach-akpan/)
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