In a season where Abakaliki FC has battled adversity and sat rock-bottom of Nigeria’s NNL Group B, head coach Ifeanyi Onyedika is savoring a moment of joy, pride, and vindication.
Against all odds, his team is heading to the finals of the 2025 President Federation Cup — and they’ve done it in stunning fashion.
Read Also: “Long Overdue”: Shorunmu Hails Super Eagles Coach for NPFL Call-Ups Ahead of Unity Cup Showdown
“This team has made us believe again,” said Onyedika, a former Super Eagles striker and AFCON 1980 winner, his voice thick with emotion after their semifinal win over Ikorodu City.
“They’ve fought with everything — heart, discipline, and courage. I’m proud of every one of them.”
For a team rooted in the second tier of Nigerian football and languishing at the foot of their league table, Abakaliki FC’s journey has been nothing short of miraculous.
Their cup campaign reads like a script from a football fairytale — giant-killing victories over NPFL powerhouses like Katsina United, Nasarawa United, and most famously, Enyimba FC.
Few gave them a chance. Fewer still thought they’d go this far. But Onyedika did.
“I told them from day one: if we stick together and play as a unit, we can beat anyone,” he said. “We knew our situation in the league wasn’t ideal, but we never let that define our ambition in the Cup.”
The quarterfinal clash against Nasarawa United proved their mental steel — a nerve-wracking 5-4 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw.
Then came a gritty semifinal against Ikorodu City, where Abakaliki’s tactical discipline and belief saw them edge through to their first-ever national final.
Now, all eyes turn to the final showdown against Kwara United. But for Onyedika, the achievement goes beyond silverware.
“We’ve brought pride to Ebonyi. We’ve shown that football is not just about resources or big names — it’s about heart,” he said.
And whether or not they lift the trophy, Ifeanyi Onyedika and his band of underdogs have already carved out a legacy — not just for themselves, but for every overlooked team daring to dream.
