‘We Refused to Be Intimidated’ – Abakaliki FC Coach Onyedika Roars Ahead of President Federation Cup Final
In a stunning journey that has captured the hearts of fans across the country, Abakaliki FC are marching into the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup with heads held high — and with a bold message: “We fear no one.”
Head coach Ifeanyi Onyedika has spoken passionately following his team’s penalty shootout victory over Ikorodu City, which sealed their place in the final against Kwara United. The Rice Boys — a Nigeria National League (NNL) side — have knocked out NPFL heavyweights including Enyimba, Rivers United, and Nasarawa United, shaking up the narrative in Nigeria's most prestigious domestic cup competition.
“They held their confidence high, refusing to be intimidated by a so-called Premier League team,” Onyedika said. “We entered this competition as underdogs, but now nobody can question our ‘giant-killers’ credentials.”
⚽ From Underdogs to National Heroes
Abakaliki FC's rise isn't just a footballing achievement — it’s an emotional rallying point for Ebonyi State, which has never witnessed this level of football success before. Coach Onyedika praised his players' resilience and highlighted the overwhelming support from the state government and citizens.
“The Government of Ebonyi State is happy. The good people of Ebonyi State are celebrating on the streets. They’ve never experienced this moment before.”
With one game left to make history, Abakaliki FC are now on the verge of becoming the first NNL side in recent years to win the Federation Cup, a feat that could qualify them for continental football.
💭 Opinion: A New Era for Grassroots Football?
Abakaliki FC’s story is more than a football miracle — it’s a blueprint for what can happen when local teams are backed, believed in, and led by passionate coaches. In an NPFL landscape often dominated by traditional big names, this fairy tale is a wake-up call to Nigerian football authorities: talent, hunger, and heart still matter.
Should they win the final, Abakaliki FC’s rise could inspire more investment into NNL clubs and reawaken hope in grassroots football development across the country.
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All eyes now turn to the grand finale. Can Abakaliki FC finish the fairy tale? Or will Kwara United stop the dream in its tracks? Either way, the story is already unforgettable. 🏆
