Abakaliki FC has confirmed the retention of 27 players from last season’s squad as the club intensifies preparations for a return to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in the 2025–26 season.
This announcement comes on the heels of the club’s successful acquisition of Hammola FC’s promotion slot, a strategic move that sees Abakaliki FC bounce back to the second tier of Nigerian football despite suffering relegation at the end of the 2024–25 campaign.
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According to the club’s statement, the retained players are expected to report to camp on Thursday, August 7, to begin preseason training. The list features key names such as Elochukwu Paschal, Akanbi Raimi, Ezema Ifeanyi, and Onyia Henry—players who were pivotal in the club’s campaign last season.
Club insiders revealed that the decision to maintain a large portion of the squad was made to ensure team cohesion and reward loyalty, while also laying a stable foundation ahead of what promises to be a challenging season in the competitive NNL.
“The management believes in the potential of these players and trusts they can rise to the occasion now that the club has been given a second chance at the NNL,” a club source disclosed.
Abakaliki FC’s return through the backdoor has sparked mixed reactions in football circles, but within the team’s camp, the focus is firmly on redemption and proving they belong at the top.
The club is expected to make additional announcements regarding new signings and technical reinforcements in the coming weeks.
As the countdown to the new season begins, Abakaliki FC will be hoping their retained core can lead them to stability—or even promotion—in what is shaping up to be a defining campaign.
