Governor Nwifuru’s Lavish Rewards for Abakaliki Football Club’s Federation Cup Feat
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has showered Abakaliki Football Club with a cascade of financial rewards following their impressive run to the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup. The relatively young club, just eight months old, defied expectations by overcoming established football powerhouses like Enyimba FC and Nasarawa United on their journey to the final showdown against Kwara United. While the team ultimately fell short in a penalty shootout, losing 3-4 after a goalless draw in regulation time, their performance captivated the state and earned them significant recognition from the governor.
Each of the 34 registered players received a handsome sum of N1 million, a gesture that underscores the governor’s appreciation for their dedication and resilience. The head coach, former international Ifeanyi Onyedika, also received N1 million in recognition of his leadership and tactical prowess. The governor’s generosity extended beyond the players and coaching staff, encompassing other members of the club’s ecosystem. Sixteen officials each received N500,000, the supporters club was awarded N4 million for their unwavering support, and the Ebonyi chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) received N1 million for their comprehensive coverage of the team’s journey.
Governor Nwifuru’s elation at the team’s performance was palpable as he received them in his office in Abakaliki. He expressed his pride in their achievement, emphasizing that their captivating display on the pitch had justified the government’s investment in the team. He lauded their technical skills and the passion evident in their team anthem, qualities that suggested a bright future for the club. While acknowledging the disappointment of their loss in the final, he emphasized that their performance had positioned them as a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian football.
However, amidst the celebrations, the governor also addressed a lingering concern: the team’s relegation from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the Nationwide League One (NNO). He expressed his disappointment, attributing the relegation to a perceived inconsistency in the team’s performance, contrasting their spirited Federation Cup run with their league form. He challenged the coach to ensure the team replicates the same level of intensity and tactical acumen displayed in the cup competition in their league matches. He even speculated on the potential disruption the team could have caused in Nigerian football had they won the Federation Cup, highlighting the unusual scenario of a relegated team participating in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition.
Despite the relegation setback, Governor Nwifuru pledged his unwavering support to the club, promising to explore avenues to reinstate them in the NNL. He underscored his commitment to the team’s future by promising to be more actively involved in their affairs, including attending their matches next season. He urged the team officials to utilize the upcoming one-month recess to strategize and prepare effectively for the next football season, emphasizing the need to build on the momentum gained during their Federation Cup run.
The team captain, Cyril Timothy, expressed his gratitude to the governor for his consistent encouragement and support since the club’s inception. He acknowledged the disappointment of both the cup final loss and the relegation but assured the governor and the people of Ebonyi State of improved performances in the coming season. Timothy’s words resonated with the overall sentiment, reflecting the team’s determination to bounce back stronger and make their state proud.
In summary, Abakaliki Football Club’s Federation Cup journey, though ending in a narrow defeat, became a story of resilience, unexpected success, and ultimately, a testament to the transformative power of investment and support in sports development. The governor’s lavish rewards and unwavering commitment signal a bright future for the club, inspiring them to overcome their relegation setback and strive for greater heights in the coming season. The team’s inspiring run has not only captivated the state but also highlighted the potential of even relatively young clubs to make a significant impact on the national football scene.
