Gov Nwifuru boosts Abakaliki staff, fans, Ebonyi SWAN after Federation Cup final loss

By Dayo Awoniyi

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has announced a substantial financial package for Abakaliki FC players and staff following their impressive run to the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup, where they narrowly lost to Kwara United in a penalty shootout.

Speaking during a reception held in Abakaliki on Monday, Governor Nwifuru praised the team’s determination and fighting spirit throughout the tournament. Despite falling short in the final, he said the players had brought honor to the state and deserved to be recognized and encouraged.

As part of his administration’s reward and support measures, the governor pledged a cash gift of one million naira each to all players and members of the technical crew.

He also announced that non-technical staff of the club would receive five hundred thousand naira each. In addition, he assured that all salaries for players and staff would be fully paid until November 2025, underlining the government’s ongoing commitment to the club’s welfare.

Governor Nwifuru used the opportunity to challenge the team to build on their recent success and secure promotion back to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in the upcoming season.

He emphasized that the government would continue to invest in sports, noting that the performance of Abakaliki FC in the tournament was a clear indication of the state’s sporting potential.

Abakaliki FC stunned many during their Federation Cup campaign, recording upset victories over top-tier clubs including Enyimba FC, Nasarawa United, Katsina United, and Ikorodu City.

In the final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos last Saturday, the match ended goalless in regulation time before Kwara United triumphed 4–3 in a tense penalty shootout.

Beyond the state’s rewards, the team also earned a ₦20 million cash prize from the Nigeria Football Federation for finishing as runners-up in the competition.

Governor Nwifuru’s gesture is seen as a morale booster for the players and a statement of intent from the Ebonyi State Government regarding its plans to reposition sports, particularly football, as a tool for youth development and state pride.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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