Prominent midfielder Anietie Uko has officially ended his tenure with Nigeria National League leaders Akwa United as he prepares to finalize a transfer to an undisclosed foreign club. The veteran playmaker formalized his exit by sharing a heartfelt farewell address across the club’s digital platforms, signaling the conclusion of his influential spell in Uyo.
Speculation regarding Uko’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with several European and North African teams reportedly showing interest in his technical services during the current mid-season window.
Uko played a pivotal role in establishing the Promise Keepers as the dominant force in the NNL Conference B during the first half of the campaign. Under his leadership on the pitch, Akwa United amassed an impressive 19 points from nine league fixtures, currently positioning them at the summit of the table and as favorites for promotion. Despite his departure, the midfielder remains vocal in his support for the team’s objective to return to the top flight of Nigerian football following their shock relegation last year.
The squad now faces the challenge of maintaining their promotion charge without their primary midfield engine as they prepare for the resumption of league action. Akwa United will travel to face Rovers FC in their first match of the second stanza later this month, a fixture that will test the depth of the roster in Uko’s absence. The club’s management expects to announce a replacement before the registration deadline to ensure they sustain their momentum toward the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Reflecting on his time with the club and his hopes for their future, Uko shared a parting message: “I wish Akwa United all the best in the league. I hope to see Akwa United in the NPFL in the 2026/2027 season.”
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