Reigning Federations Cup champions, Akwa United has announced the appointment of Belgian coach, Maurice Cooreman as the club’s new technical handler ahead of the 2016 Globacom Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Cooreman was unveiled to the media in Uyo on Monday after signing a two-year-contract.
Akwa United which barely escaped relegation last season will represent the country in the 2016 CAF Confederations Cup following their first ever FA cup triumph last November.
Cooreman, until his latest appointment, was the coach of Lagos-based Ikorodu United which also gained promotion to the top flight division.
The veteran Belgian gaffer, who is regarded as Nigeria’s most travelled coach, has also managed Bendel Insurance, Lobi, NPA (now defunct), Ocean Boys and Enyimba International since he started his coaching career in the country’s topflight league with Gabros International (now FC Ifeanyi Ubah) in 2003.
He has also coached Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko, Kaduna United, Warri Wolves and Gombe United.
Cooreman won the league twice with Ocean Boys as well as with Enyimba and was Federation Cup champion with Kaduna United.
However, many were surprised when the Belgian manager took up appointment with newly formed lower league side, Ikorodu United, the first time in his coaching career. Cooreman once more spine surprise by leading the club to the premier league.
“I want to praise my players and the sponsor for the promotion of Ikorodu United. We worked hard to achieve the feat as a team. My target was to get Ikorodu United to the Premier League and I’m excited we achieved promotion,” he said.
By Olisemeka Obeche