Ebonyi State And Its New Discovery: Sports Emerging As A Gold Mine
Sports development is steadily emerging as a new “gold mine” in Ebonyi State following the establishment of Abakaliki Football Club (Abakaliki FC), a move that initially attracted widespread criticism. At inception, the club was faulted in some quarters for adopting a name critics described as lacking traditional football identity. Skepticism also trailed the appointment of veteran sports administrator, Prince Richard Ugo-Idike, as Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, with detractors questioning his age and suitability for the role. However, unfolding events soon silenced the critics. The narrative shifted dramatically when Abakaliki FC, popularly known as the Rice Boys, recorded an impressive run in the President Federation Cup. Against all odds, the newly formed team advanced to the final of the competition, finishing as runners-up and setting a remarkable record as one of the fastest-rising clubs to reach that stage within months of establishment. Despite sufferi...
