Abakaliki: Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has rewarded 34 registered players of Abakaliki Football Club with N1 million each after emerging the runners-up in the 2025 President Federation Cup on June 28. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the team lost the finals 3-4 on penalties to Kwara United after regulation time scores stood goalless, at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the eight-month-old club became the giant-killers of the competition after defeating big names such as Enyimba FC of Aba and Nasarawa United of Lafia en route to the final. Nwifuru, while receiving the players in his office in Abakaliki, also announced a reward of N1 million for the team’s Head Coach and Ex-International, Ifeanyi Onyedika.
Sixteen officials of the team will receive N500,000 each, while its supporters club will receive N4 million. The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ebonyi Chapter will also receive N1 million for effective coverage of the team’s activities. The governor congratulated the team for their performance, noting that they made the government and Ebonyi people proud.
Nwifuru expressed that the team’s performance made him believe that the investment in them was worthwhile. He highlighted the technical prowess displayed on the pitch and the passion embodied in the team’s anthem as thought-provoking and encouraging. However, he lamented the team’s relegation from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to Nationwide League One (NNO).
The governor held the coach responsible, suggesting that if the team had shown the same level of performance as in Lagos, they could have finished among the top-four in the league. He assured that efforts would be made to explore opportunities to keep the team in the NNL. Nwifuru urged the officials to ensure better preparations for the next football season and granted the players a one-month recess.
The team’s Captain, Cyril Timothy, expressed gratitude to the governor for his encouragement since the team’s formation, acknowledging the loss and relegation but promising improved performances in the next season.