Akwa United boss faults Baraje’s threat to quit Federation Cup champions

Akwa United Chairman, Nse Ubeh, has described as unnecessary Coach Zakary Baraje’s threat to quit the club barely 24 hours after leading the team to their first Federation Cup victory.

Baraje had immediately after winning the title with the Uyo-based team threatened to quit the club unless the management recruited quality players to fortify the team for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Akwa United defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on Sunday to win the Federation Cup.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday before the team departed for Uyo to a rousing welcome by the governor and people of Akwa Ibom State, Ubeh said: “Issuing threat is not a matter that should be discussed at the moment. What matters to us now is that the state won the Federation Cup for the first time and would be received by the government and people of Akwa Ibom with a victory match on the streets of Akwa Ibom.

“For sure the threat is not tenable at all; what we signed with the coach was just a one year contract, and the one year contract has just elapsed. The power is in our hands, we should tell him whether we will continue with him or not. So why is he threatening us?

“As a new chairman, when I came on board I could as well have said that I did not want him. But no, he was allowed to stay and we worked with him. I preside over the board and whatever that comes out of the board meeting is what we will implement. He still remains the coach of Akwa United until when the board sits and says otherwise.”

Ubeh, who said that the people of Akwa Ibom appreciated Baraje’s efforts, pointed out that other people contributed to the success of the team.