- Evangelist Solomon Okpo delivering his sermon while a veteran sports Journalist and Chairman Akwa United FC, Mr. Paul Bassey (sitting), others pay rap attention.
By Solomon Okpo, Uyo.
Evangelist Solomon Okpo delivered a powerful exhortation titled “A New Beginning of the Year 2025″ during the second Friday of Akwa United FC’s fasting and prayer session, held today, Friday 10, 2025.
The session, an annual spiritual exercise aimed at committing the club’s year to God, witnessed players, coaches, and management staff reflecting on God’s promises and guidance for the season ahead.
Opening his message, Evangelist Okpo asked fellow Evangelists to read Lamentations 3:22-23, ” It is of the Lords mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassion fail not.
There are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness”. emphasizing the enduring love and faithfulness of God.
He defined “A New Beginning” as a fresh start marked by resumption, rebirth, revitalization, reformation, restoration, and breaking out of old patterns.
“Every new year is not just a change of date; it is a divine opportunity to start afresh,” he declared, referencing Revelation 21:5, where God promises to make all things new. Drawing parallels with Akwa United’s challenges in the 2024 football season, he encouraged the team to embrace the new year with hope and determination.
Evangelist Okpo highlighted biblical examples of new beginnings, Noah after the flood, the Israelites after captivity, and the disciples after Pentecost, reminding players, management and staff that God is in the business of renewing lives and circumstances. He urged the team to forget the past, as stated in Isaiah 43:18-19, and focus on God’s plans for growth and success.
Reflecting on the current football season, he commended the dedication of Coach Boboye, who resumed his duties by rigorously preparing the team for upcoming matches, even under challenging weather conditions. “This is God’s way of readying you for the harsh realities of playing away games in Kaduna, Jos, and Kano. It’s all part of the new beginning,” he added.
Using Philippians 3:13-14, Evangelist Okpo encouraged the players to press on toward their goals, including winning trophies, by setting new targets and stepping out of their comfort zones. He also reminded them of Governor Pastor Dr. Umo Eno’s recent call for Akwa Ibom citizens to start the year with God at the International Worship Centre in Uyo.
Quoting Matthew 6:33, he emphasized the importance of seeking God first in all endeavors. “Your chairman, Elder Paul “Sports” Bassey is leading you to God, not to a shrine. When you put God first, He aligns every other area of your life with His blessings and peace,” he said.
Addressing any lingering reliance on superstitious practices, Evangelist Okpo referred to 2 Corinthians 5:17, urging the players to let go of old habits and embrace their identity as new creations in Christ. He warned that such practices could lead to injuries and premature career endings, stressing the need for full dependence on God.
Concluding his exhortation, Evangelist Okpo called on the team to begin the year with self-evaluation, repentance, and total surrender to God. He encouraged them to commit to daily prayer, Bible study, and personal devotion to shield themselves from spiritual attacks and to thrive in both their careers and personal lives.
The prayer session ended with a renewed sense of purpose and unity among the Akwa United family, as they prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the 2025 football season with faith and determination.
