Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has rewarded players and officials of Abakaliki Football Club following their impressive run to the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup.
Despite falling short in the final—losing 4–3 on penalties to Kwara United after a goalless draw in regulation time—Governor Nwifuru described the club’s performance as historic and inspiring.
At a reception held in his office in Abakaliki, the governor announced a cash reward of N1 million each for all 34 registered players of the team.
Head Coach and former Nigerian international, Ifeanyi Onyedika, also received N1 million for leading the club’s fairy-tale run.
In further recognition of the team’s efforts, 16 club officials were awarded N500,000 each, while the supporters club received a collective N4 million.
The Ebonyi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was also gifted N1 million for their coverage of the team’s journey.
Governor Nwifuru praised the team for making the state proud, especially as the club—only eight months old—defied all odds by defeating elite teams like Enyimba FC of Aba and Nasarawa United of Lafia on their way to the final.
“I watched the match live and your performance made me believe that our investment in the team was worth it,” the governor said. “The technical display on the pitch and the passion in your team anthem were thought-provoking.
You have truly become the pride of Ebonyi and may one day become the salt of world football.”
However, while commending their cup run, Nwifuru expressed disappointment over the club’s relegation from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the Nationwide League One (NLO).
“I blame the coach,” he said. “If the team had shown the same form they displayed in Lagos throughout the season, they could have finished in the top four.
It would have been a major dilemma for Nigerian football if a relegated team qualified to represent the country in a CAF competition.”
He nonetheless pledged that the state government would explore options to retain the club in the NNL, despite their demotion.
As preparations for the new season begin, the governor urged the technical crew to adopt a more strategic approach and granted players a one-month break to recuperate.
Abakaliki FC’s dramatic rise has captured national attention, with their performance seen as a bright spot for grassroots football development in Nigeria.