NNL: Gov. Nwifuru Express Optimism As Abakaliki FC Draws Debut Season Appearance

By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has expressed optimism about the future of the new team, Abakaliki FC and commend players over their performances. This is as Abakaliki Football Club marked their debut in the Nigeria National League (NNL) with a 2-2 draw against Madiba FC at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.

The match, which showcased the newly-formed team's potential, attracted enthusiastic fans and dignitaries, across all parts of the state. The home team displayed commendable effort, taking the lead twice, however, Madiba FC fought back with a draw, denying Abakaliki FC their first win in the league.

According to him, "I am very grateful to the kind of disposition, the kind of love, the kind of support and strength envisioned in this field today, it gives me a lot of hope , that if you give them more time, that definitely they will thrive to be the best in Nigeria. "Our goal is to unite the youth, promote Ebonyi’s name, and help them thrive in the football industry," he stated.

The head coach of Abakaliki FC, Ifeanyi Onyedika commend his players for their effort despite the short time the team had to prepare. “Our boys did their best. We’ve only been together for a little over a month,this draw is a fair result, I didn't expect them to start flying, but I know that in the next matches we wil be able to do better. "We started very late, I didn't expect so much from them and can say that I am satisfied with the outcome, it could have been worse.

The assistant captain of Abakaliki  FC Oma Joseph shared mixed feelings about the result. “We are not satisfied, but this is just the beginning. We will work harder to ensure a better performance in our next match.” he said The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon Richard Idike commended the team’s performance and expressed preparedness on the upcoming match with Kwara United. "Whatever the the team need for the season, his excellency has approved all", he noted.

The Chairman of the club, Senator Obinna Ogba, acknowledged the team’s performance but lamented the missed opportunity for victory. “ I feel good, I feel sad that those people ran away with our points but this is soccer, at times it happens that way, our team has shown it class, but then God of soccer had its way," he said.