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IFEANYI ONYEDIKA, former Super Eagles striker and current ABAKALiki FC chief coach, said exclusively Completsports.com That it is optimistic, the rice boys have learned from the experience of the Nigeria National League (NNL) last season and are ready to do it well in the 2025/2026 campaign.
Abakaliki FC was relegated to the Third Nationwide National League (NLO) at the end of the 2024/2025 season.
Cup of the cup that changed the Abekaliki FC fortune
Despite its setback, the club surprised the betting corridors when they reached the final of the 2025 president’s federation. They held the NPFL Kwara United side to a dead point before losing by little 5-6 for penalties.
Also read: Abakaliki FC captain, Governor Nwifuru, the Rain of the Federation Cup despite the loss of title of the Federation Cup
Impressed by the team’s fairy tales career, the Governor of the State of Ebonyi, his excellence Francis Nwifuru, rewarded each player with ₦ 1M and promised to ensure his return to the NNL buying a space in the second level.
Faithful to his word, Abakaliki FC successfully bought the position of Hammola International FC of the State of Osun.
Onyedika: “We have learned our lessons”
Now, coach Onyedika, Mon, a member of the Green Eagles team winner of AFCON of 1980, says he is confident that the Rice Boys will do better this time.
“We have learned that our lessons had tried the waters last season,” said Onyedika, with affection to Ahidjo during his game days.
“Everything is in the hands of God. But I know that we have learned from the actions of our last season and we have taken them as a guide in which it goes to the next campaign.”
Also read: President of the Federation Federation: I never expected my team to go far –abakaliki FC Coach, Onyedika
Onyedika has a decorated race, after winning the title of the League and the Copa of the President of the Federation with Rangers. As a coach, he also raised the FA Cup with Delfines by Port Harcourt (now Rivers United).
Abekaliki FC looking for the right talents – Onyedika
When asked about Abakaliki FC’s preparations, the coach revealed that the approach currently focuses on players recruitment.
“At this time, we are trying to obtain the right talents. Once we do that, we can mold them in a team capable of delivering. That is our main objective at this time,” Onyedika explained.
He added that while the club has not finished its preseason camp, the priority remains the strengthening of the team.
“The first thing is the first thing: to obtain the correct caliber of the players with the mentality and the technical ability to fit into our program. Once this is done, the location of the camp will not matter much. It could be Enugu, Owerri, ABA or any other place. The preseason is also an opportunity to discover more talents wherever we go.”
By Sabsuji
