The Ebonyi Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has rewarded 34 registered players of Abakaliki Football Club with N1 million each after emerging the runner-up in the 2025 President Federation Cup on June 28.
The game took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Lagos, where Abakaliki FC lost in a tense final to Kwara United on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time.
Despite the loss, the team captured national attention for its impressive run, defeating top clubs like Enyimba FC of Aba and Nasarawa United of Lafia on their way to the final.
Governor Nwifuru hosted the players at the Government House in Abakaliki and announced cash gifts not just for the players, but for other members of the team and their supporters.
He noted that the Head Coach and former international, Ifeanyi Onyedika, would receive N1 million for his leadership, while 16 team officials are to get N500,000 each.
The Supporters Club will receive N4 million, and the Ebonyi chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is to get N1 million in appreciation for covering the club’s journey.
While congratulating the team, the governor noted their performance made the entire state proud. “I watched the match live and your performance made me believe that our investment in the team was worth it,” he said.
He added that the club’s playing style and unity were remarkable, stating that they displayed skills that could take them far in global football.
However, he also noted his disappointment over the team’s recent relegation from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the lower Nationwide League One (NLO).
Nwifuru said, “I blame the coach because if the team had displayed the sort of performance we saw in Lagos, it could have finished among the top-four in the league.”
The governor explained that had the team won the cup, it would have caused confusion, as a relegated team would have ended up representing Nigeria in the CAF competition. He promised to work towards keeping the team in the NNL by exploring all available options.
Nwifuru advised the team to begin early preparations for the new season and gave players one month off before returning to training. He said he would attend more of their matches and be more involved going forward.
Team captain, Cyril Timothy, thanked the governor for his consistent support since the club’s creation. He noted that although they could not present the trophy as planned, they would return stronger next season.
“We sincerely regret the loss and relegation from the league, but assure the state of improved performances next season,” he said.
