By Arnold Chukwu

The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi State, Hon. Richard Idike and the Chairman of Abakaliki Football Club, Senator Obinna Ogba are hopeful that the six month old club would win the 2025 President Federation Cup.

The club defeated Nasarawa United FC 5-4 on penalties, after 1–1 full time scores, in the quarter final of the competition played in Benin on Saturday.

The youthful side thus became the first Ebonyi club to qualify for the semi final of the prestigious competition where it will square with Ikorodu FC of Lagos.

Idike during an interview on Sunday, thanked God for the team’s giant-killing feats.

He expressed hopes that that the team would be crowned with the ultimate Federations Cup champions.

“We have eliminated big names such as Enyimba, Nasarawa United among others and are hopeful to bring down more Goliaths until the cup comes to Ebonyi.

“This team is just six–months old, competing in the Nigeria National League and this gives us hope that God has great plans for it.”

The commissioner attributed the club’s success to the love shown by Gov. Francis Nwifuru, assuring that the cup would be a befitting appreciation to him.

“Ebonyi had no football club since 2007 but the sports loving governor performed the magic by floating this club in 2024 and supporting it ceaselessly since then.

“The investment has yielded fruits as the club has projected the state beyond imaginable frontiers.”

The club’s Chairman, Senator. Obinna Ogba also in an interview, commended the players and officials for their tenacity, urging them to actualise the dreams of Ebonyi people.

“No one gave us chance in the beginning of this competition but we are marching steadily to claiming the coveted trophy.

“A possible meeting with Rangers International FC Enugu will be an icing, indicating that within six months, we are up with the big boys.”

The former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) thanked Nwifuru for his support and urged the team to make him exceedingly proud.

“The governor has revolutionalised sports under his Peoples Charter of Needs Mantra within two years in office.

“We assure the fans that this federation cup feat will spur us to improve on our position in the NNL table.”

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