The Promise Keepers, who missed out on promotion last season, have added five attackers, two midfielders and a defender as they chase a return to the NPFL.
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Akwa United have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League season by unveiling eight more new players. The Promise Keepers are pushing for a return to the NPFL.
The new signings are Kammonke Willie from Ikorodu City, Abubakar Sadiq from Hephzibah FC, Ikechukwu Onuoha from Adoration FC and Saviour Edet from KMK FC. Allen Ihunwo from Maverick FC, Ameer Muhammad from Reign FA, Augustine Chibuzor from ECAS FA and Damadou Franck from Cavalier FC of the Benin Republic have also joined.
Five of the eight are attacking options, two are midfielders and one is a defender. That gives head coach Paul Offor more choices as he builds a side to challenge for promotion.
One of the exciting additions is Saviour Edet, who is regarded as one of the brightest young talents from Akwa Ibom State. He joins from KMK Academy in Uyo with huge potential. Anyone curious about betting offers can read this Bet9ja referral code guide before the new season.
A Busy Rebuild
The latest signings follow an earlier batch of 10 players. Goalkeeper Robert Cole, defenders Keme Okoriye, Famoyegun Michael and Ikemdinachi Prince, and midfielders Paschal Uba, Asiriuwa Godwin, Ifeanyichukwu Nwune and James Peter were among them.
Forwards Peter Asuquo and Apas Abel completed the first batch. In total, the club has added 18 players this window.
The newcomers have joined players retained from last season in training. The technical crew is working to build a competitive squad before the first game.
That is a big rebuild, but promotion is the goal. Akwa United finished second in Conference B last season, and Sporting Lagos took the only promotion place from the conference. Readers who follow Nigerian football can also claim YOHAIG deal for Nigerian football fans before the next fixtures.
The NNL Season Begins
The 2026/27 NNL season began on Sunday, November 1. Akwa United compete in Conference B.
The Promise Keepers begin their campaign on Sunday, November 8, when they host Ekiti United at the Uyo Township Stadium. Kick-off is at 4 p.m.
This is the club’s second season in the NNL after relegation from the NPFL. The state government has made clear that it wants a swift return to the top flight.
Can the new faces make the difference? Offor has promotion pedigree, having led Sporting Lagos to promotion in 2023/24, so he knows what it takes. Readers can also read this Bet9ja promotion information before kick-off.
A strong start will be vital. NNL conference seasons are short, and a slow start can be costly.
The Promise Keepers have the backing of Akwa Ibom State, and the governor has called for a swift return to the top flight. The new signings will want to show they can deliver it.
📌 Did You Know?
- Akwa United were founded in 1996, and their nickname is the Promise Keepers.
- Their usual home, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, holds about 30,000 fans.
- After nine games last season, Akwa United had won six, drawn one and lost two to lead Conference B by two points.
- Sporting Lagos were crowned 2026 NNL champions after edging Inter Lagos on goal difference in the Super Four tournament in Ikenne.
- Doma United were relegated from the NPFL alongside Akwa United, but they won promotion back in 2025/26.
