Mercy Akide urged to take to coaching

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by former African Footballer of the year, Mercy Akide, the sports commissioner said it would only be right for accomplished sports personalities to develop other likely talents that could even surpass their achievements.

“Mercy Akide is an ambassador of Rivers State and it is an honour to me and even to the Governor, Dr. Peter Odili that our own daughter has put the map of the State and of course Kalabari Kingdom on the world map because of her exploits,” Onyesoh said.

“If Akide were a man, then you must agree with me that she would have been rated alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Austin Okocha and even Ronaldo so we must appreciate what we have in her.”

The Rivers State Sports boss urged Akide to think about what she wants to do when she calls it quits with the game, advising her to think up and initiate programs that will be of immense benefit to other young girls in the state that may want to take up football as a profession.

“You are a role model in this state and a lot of girls look up to you, so please do not disappoint them.”

“We would like to see you as the next coach of the Super Falcons because there is no body more qualified than you are.” Onyesoh said.

Mercy Akide said she is already a certified coach who would want to use her immense talent and knowledge to build up girls especially from Rivers State, promising not to ignore her roots when the time comes.

Allwell Onyesoh added that the Rivers State Government will support the wedding of Mercy Akide and Colin Udoh which comes up next month in Port Harcourt.