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 suffering relegation in the Nigeria National League (NNL), the team’s morale received a significant boost when Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru hosted the players and officials in Abakaliki.
The governor commended their resilience, rewarded them handsomely, and assured them of continued government support.
Governor Nwifuru further promised to secure a return ticket for the club to the NNL ahead of the 2025/2026 season, alongside improved welfare packages and better remuneration for players.
That promise has since been fulfilled, reinforcing confidence in the state’s commitment to sports development.
Currently, Abakaliki FC sits fourth in Group B of the NNL standings and stands to lead the team after today's victory where it defeated First Bank Lagos with a lone goal.
This followed managerial changes, including the suspension of former head coach, Ifeanyi Onyedika, OON, who had led the team to a second-place finish in the 2025 President Federation Cup.
Coach, Starplus Izuikem Anista, subsequently took charge, overseeing matches against Akwa United and a crucial home victory over Solution FC, marking a turning point for the team.
Today, Abakaliki FC stands not only as a football club but as a symbol of vision, resilience, and the untapped potential of sports as a tool for youth engagement and economic growth in Ebonyi State.
Beyond football, other sporting disciplines are also gaining momentum. Basketball has recorded notable success with Ebonyi-born basketball player, Miss. Blessing Munachi Ejiofor, featuring in Team Nigeria’s victorious squad at Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire and recently, a World Boxing champion, Miss Chukwu from Ohaozara.
In athletics and cricket, athletes such as Afikpo born, Miss Lilian Ude, and a Nigerian Ebonyi born military officer of Ezza Ezekuna, Mr Festus Igube broken records on the global stage with Igube winning a bronze medal in Invictus games at Canada.
Grassroots football continues to thrive with clubs and competitions such as Izzi Football Association (IFA), Estingthon Football Club, the Enviable Tournament, Ohamadike Super League, and several leagues including basketball gaining prominence across the state.
These initiatives have created career opportunities for young athletes, improved player welfare, and attracted significant prize money, with some competitions offering up to ₦30, 20, 5, 3 and two million in winnings alongside other incentives.
With these developments, sports in Ebonyi State is steadily proving to be more than recreation, it is fast becoming a viable driver of youth empowerment, unity, and economic opportunity.
Written by Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Ebonyi State.
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