Abakaliki FC eye President Federation Cup as saving grace

Abakaliki FC defender, Ifeanyi Ezema, stated that lifting the 2025 President Federation Cup would serve as the only fitting consolation for their imminent relegation from the second tier Nigeria National League (NNL) to the Nationwide League One (NLO).

The Rice Boys had a difficult season in the NNL and are currently stuck at the very bottom of Conference B, with a mere 17 points from 18 matches and only two games left to play. Unfortunately for them, relegation to the NLO now seems all but certain.

However, a glimmer of redemption has emerged through their fairytale run in the President Federation Cup, where they’ve stunned several higher-ranked opponents to reach the final in their debut appearance. They edged past Ikorodu City FC in the semi-finals via a 6-5 penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in regulation time.

They will now face Kwara United in the showpiece final—on a date yet to be determined by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). In an interview with Completesports.com, Ezema emphasized the significance of the final for the club, their supporters, and the Ebonyi State Government.

“We’re prepared and fully focused on the President Federation Cup final against Kwara United. It won’t be an easy match—we know that—but we’re going to give it our all, knowing that victory in the final will serve as the only compensation to our supporters, the government, and the people of Ebonyi State for standing behind us throughout the campaign.”

Reflecting on their troubling league performance, he highlighted their impressive cup form as clear evidence of the squad's potential.

“Yes, our performance in the league hasn’t been what we expected. But in the Cup run, we’ve done well, and you can check the number of NPFL sides we’ve met and defeated—Katsina United, Nasarawa United, Enyimba, and Ikorodu City. That tells you we’re not a bad side at all."

"Against Kwara United in the final, we hope to fight and replicate that form which saw us beat these top teams, by the grace of God.”

Winning the Federation Cup would be a historic moment for Abakaliki FC. Not only would it mark a significant achievement for the club, but it would also secure them a spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup, helping to soften the impact of their recent relegation to the third tier.