A former Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi State, Charles Akpu-enika, has congratulated “giant-killers” Abakaliki FC for its exceptional performance that saw it qualify for the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports the club on Wednesday in Abuja defeated Ikorodu City FC of Lagos, 5-4 on penalties to qualify for the competition’s final.
This was after playing 0-0 in regulation time.
Charles Akpu-enika, the immediate past Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ebonyi State, said that the victory was an indication that commitment and hard work pays.
“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 them a Federation Cup final berth,” he said.
Akpu-enika commended the players and officials, especially his successor, Richard Idike, for ingeniously making the club the heralded giant-killers of the 2025 Federation Cup.
He said: “I am profusely proud of this achievement because the foundation of floating a football club in the state was laid during the past administration.
“The Senator David Umahi’s administration provided the infrastructure on which sports is striving in the state, and he took huge steps to float a club.
“I thank Governor Francis Nwifuru for his fatherly love and support to the club, which has made it the toast of soccer fans across the country.”
Akpu-enika noted that the players’ mode of winning showed tenacity and resolve to succeed in spite of the odds.
“The club won all its Federation Cup matches on penalty shootouts except Enyimba of Aba, which it bashed 2-0,” he said.
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Meanwhile, the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, Andy Nwogha, has described the victory as a landmark, which underlines the growth of football in the state.
Nwogha, who hailed the team’s consistency, having earlier dispatched top-tier clubs such as Enyimba, Katsina United, Nasarawa United and then Ikorodu FC, said the feat came through just seven months of the club’s existence.
He said: “This is a proud moment for Ebonyi, as the feat demonstrates hard work, strategic planning and recognition of indigenous talents.
“We appreciate Governor Francis Nwifuru for his unflinching support to youth and sports development, in line with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs mantra.
“The association further commends the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, and the club Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba, for their ingenuity in steering the club’s affairs.”
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