In a landmark event held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, in Cairo, Egypt, Elder Paul Bassey, Chairman of Akwa United Football Club of Nigeria, emerged as the newly elected 2nd Vice President of the African Clubs Association (ACA).
The inauguration marked a significant step forward in the development and restructuring of football on the continent.
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Delegates from four Nigeria Premier Football League clubs, namely Akwa United, Plateau United, Bendel Insurance, and Enugu Rangers, were invited by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to participate in the launch of the ACA.
Elder Bassey, a seasoned sports administrator and veteran journalist, garnered unanimous support from delegates, securing his position as the 2nd Vice President.
Post-election, Elder Paul Bassey expressed gratitude to his colleagues in Cairo, particularly acknowledging the encouragement received from Barrister Amobi of Enugu Rangers to vie for the esteemed position.
He emphasized that the victory was not a personal achievement but a dedication to the Nigerian clubs that provided the platform for his candidacy.
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“I dedicate this victory to Nigerian clubs on whose platform I stood to contest. Even the CAF President today acknowledged the huge contributions Nigerian clubs have made to the development of the game on the continent,” remarked Elder Bassey.
The newly elected officials of the ACA include Engineer Hersi Ally Said of the Young African Football Club of Tanzania as President and Jessica Motaung, the Marketing Director of Kaizer Chiefs Football Club of South Africa, serving as the 1st Vice President.
The African Clubs Association, a body formed by CAF, aims to enhance the quality and competitiveness of African football.
Its primary objectives include making African football commercially viable, and globally competitive, and attracting sponsors.
The association also seeks to build partnerships with both private and government entities, focusing on the development of standard sporting infrastructure and nurturing young talents within the continent.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including CAF President Patrice Motsepe and other top officials, along with representatives from FIFA.
Elder Paul Bassey’s election signifies a crucial step in fortifying African football’s structure and fostering collaboration for sustainable growth.
