By Roland Ike

A defensive blunder on Saturday, cost Abakaliki Football Club a deserved home win on the return of League Football action to Ebonyi since 2007.

It will be recalled that Ebonyi did not have a football club in any league cadre since 2007 when the then Governor, Martin Elechi, disbanded the state-owned male and female teams.

Incumbent Governor, Francis Nwifuru, pledged to float a football club for the state and subsequently secured a slot to compete in the Nigeria National League (NNL)

The move manifested on Saturday when the newly floated Abakaliki FC squared with Madiba FC in the NNL opener with the match ending 2-2 at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium, Abakaliki.

The home team, buoyed with the reality of returning to league action, delighted their fans which included Nwifuru with rich soccer artistry and determination to win.

Nwifuru in his remarks after the game, commended players of both sides for their efforts and expressed optimism about Abakaliki FC’s future.

“I am happy with the team’s show of the grit and determination and perfecting with time, will hopefully become one of the best in Nigeria.

“Our goal is to unite the youths, promote Ebonyi’s image positively, and help it thrive in the nation’s football industry.”

The governor said he never believed the idea of floating a new club when the club’s Chairman Sen. Obinna Ogba and Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, confronted him with it.

“I had to agree and we are seeing the result of my yielding to their superior argument.

“We see people making huge money from football every day and we want our own people to join the fray,”

The Head Coach of Abakaliki FC. Ifeanyi Onyeka, praised his players for their effort despite the short time the team had to prepare for the match.

The Ex- Green Eagles and Enugu Rangers International Star, said the team had been together for over a month and will definitely fly in subsequent matches.

The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, commended the team’s performance and expressed its preparedness for upcoming matches.

“The governor has provided all the team needs to excel this season and we are hopeful that the players would soon start reciprocating this gesture.

“We are happy that the governor has returned smiles on the faces of Ebonyi soccer fans who have waited for a moment such as this since 17 years.”

The Chairman of the club, Sen. Obinna Ogba, acknowledged the team’s efforts to reward the governor and the fans with a victory but lamented the missed opportunity.

“It is sad that the visitors left with a point but the God of soccer allows such to happen in the game.”