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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.