Abakaliki FC goes on Christmas break, targets NPFL glory

Abakaliki Football Club has approved a one-week Christmas break for its players and officials as part of efforts to boost morale and sustain the club’s impressive run in the ongoing league campaign.

The decision, according to the club’s Media Officer, Mr. Chukwuma Ogbonna, was reached after a management meeting held on Sunday, December 22, 2025, and chaired by the club’s Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba. The break takes immediate effect from December 22 to December 28, 2025. Addressing the players and officials, Senator Ogba commended the “De Rice Boys” and the technical crew for their outstanding performances so far in the league, describing their efforts as commendable and encouraging.

He charged the team to remain focused and intensify efforts towards achieving the club’s ultimate ambition of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

“I want to commend you all for your performance so far in the league,” Ogba said. “I enjoin you to keep the morale high because we are not settling for anything less than promotion to the NPFL. This one-week rest is to allow you recover and return refreshed for our next assignment.” The chairman disclosed that the team is expected to resume training on December 28, 2025, in preparation for their Matchday 8 home fixture against First Bank FC of Lagos, slated for January 7, 2026, at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.

Senator Ogba according to the report expressed appreciation to the club’s supporters’ club and fans across the globe for their unwavering support, while wishing all Ebonyians and lovers of Abakaliki FC a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

In his remarks, the Interim Head Coach of Abakaliki FC, Maazi Anistar Izuikem, popularly known as Starplus, thanked the management for providing a conducive and level playing environment for the team. He assured supporters of the technical crew’s commitment and readiness to steer the club toward promotion.

Coach Starplus further advised the players to celebrate the festive season responsibly, urging them to maintain professionalism and a high-performance mindset, and to avoid any conduct that could negatively affect their preparedness ahead of the Matchday 8 encounter. The management and technical crew jointly wished the club’s supporters a merry Christmas as preparations continue towards realizing Abakaliki FC’s promotion ambition.