2016 Federation Cup winning coach Rafael Everton and current Osun United head coach Duke Udi are being auditioned by Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Akwa United for the head coach job vacated by Abdu Maikaba.
Maikaba who won the 2017 AITEO Cup with the Promise Keepers failed to renew his two-year agreement and only last week joined Plateau United on a three-year deal, leaving the helmsman role in Uyo vacant.
Club supremo Paul Bassey had informed last week that his club have their own specifications and will not be looking to appoint a coach with national team responsibilities, effectively knocking out the coaching big names in the NPFL.
www.aclsports.com sources have however revealed that Brazilian coach Everton and former Super Eagles player Udi are in the Akwa-Ibom state capital, Uyo as one of both coaches is favoured to land the job.
Nasarawa United coach Kabiru Dogo who also did not renew his contract in Lafia was sighted in Uyo last week fueling rumours of the likelihood of the former ABS coach taking over from Maikaba but it has emerged over the weekend that the management of Akwa United are looking beyond Dogo.
Rafael Everton led FC Ifeanyiubah to the Federations Cup title in 2016 but has been without a job ever since he was demoted at the same club early last year. Udi whose short coaching career has seen him handle NPFL sides Giwa FC and Sunshine Stars is known for his “total football” coaching philosophy and many believes he may be an ideal replacement for Maikaba.
Inside sources however told www.aclsports.com that Bassey prefers a foreigner to be in charge of the team in order to avoid the temptation of a national team invitation for the coach but the résumé of Udi does appeal to him.
The club have received hundreds of coaching application over the past two weeks including those from neighboring countries Ghana, Cameroon and Coted’voire. An announcement on the Akwa United coaching job is expected before the end of this week.
