By Arnold Chukwu

The Immediate past Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi State, Charles Akpu-enika has congratulated Abakaliki Football Club for its miraculous feat of qualifying for the 2025 President Federation Cup final.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ebonyi Chapter, also hailed the club for its cup run which has culminated in a final berth within just seven months of existence.

Abakaliki FC on Wednesday, beat Ikorodu City FC of Lagos 5-4 on penalties after regulation time scores stood at 0-0 in Abuja, to qualify for the competition’s final.

Charles Akpu-enika said that victory shows that commitment and hardwork would always be rewarded.

“The club is presently struggling in the Nigeria National League (NNL) but the determination of the players to excel in the face of turbulence, has earned it a federation cup final berth.

“I heartily commend the players and officials especially my successor, Richard Idike whose ingenuity has made the club, the nationally heralded giant-killers of the 2025 federation cup.

‘”I am proud of this achievement because the foundation of floating a football club in the state was laid during my time as commissioner.”

He noted that the players’ mode of winning shows tenacity and resolve to succeed despite all odds.

“The club won all its federation cup matches on penalty shootouts except the 2–0 bashing of Enyimba of Aba in the round of 16.

“This is an attribute of a giant-killer because it identifies and believes in its strength, using it to cause upsets.

“I thank Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his fatherly love and support to the club whick has made it, the toast of soccer fans across the country.”

The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ebonyi State chapter, Andy Nwogha in a statement, described the victory as a landmark which underlines the growth of football in the state.

Nwogha hailed the team’s consistency, having earlier dispatched top-tier clubs such as Enyimba, Katsina United, Nasarawa United and presently, Ikorodu FC.

“This is a proud moment for Ebonyi as the feat demonstrates hard work, strategic planning and recognition of indigenous talents.

“We appreciate Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his unflinching support to youth and sports development, in line with his administration’sn People’s Charter of Needs mantra.

“The association further commends the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, and the club Chairman, Sen. Obinna Ogba, for their ingenuity in steering the club’s affairs.”

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