Abakaliki FC captain, Cyril Timothy, has expressed the players’ heartfelt gratitude to the Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency Francis Nwifuru, following a generous financial reward despite the team’s defeat in the 2025 Federation Cup final against Kwara United, Completesports.com reports.
Heartbreak In President Federation Cup Final
Abakaliki FC, a side already relegated to the third tier NLO from the NNL, lost 3–4 on penalties the the NPFL side after a goalless draw in regulation time at Saturday’s President Federation Cup final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
₦1 Million Reward For Abakaliki FC Players And Coaches
At a state banquet held in honour of the team on Monday night at Government House, Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru announced a donation of ₦1 million to each player who featured in the President Federation Cup, as well as to the coaches.
Salaries And Bonus For Support Crew
Governor Nwifuru further announced that Abakaliki FC players and officials would continue to receive their full salaries until November 2025, despite the club’s relegation to the Nationwide League One (NLO).
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He also pledged ₦500,000 to non-technical staff of the club and donated ₦1 million to the Ebonyi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), in addition to doling out ₦4 million to members of the Abakaliki FC Supporters Club.
Governor Vows To Retain NNL Status
In a further boost, the Governor disclosed that Abakaliki FC would not play in the NLO next season despite relegation. He revealed the state government would attempt to purchase a slot in the Nigeria National League (NNL) to ensure the club remains in the second-tier league.
Captain Timothy Praises Governor’s Magnanimity
Captain Timothy, affectionately called ‘Apirioye’ by fans and admirers, praised the Governor’s magnanimity, describing it as deeply motivating.
“The Governor has done so well for us. We’re grateful for what he’s done, even though we didn’t win the cup,” Timothy told Completesports.com in an exclusive interview.
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“We didn’t win the cup, and he still did all these for us. You can imagine what would have happened if we had won. We’re grateful to him.
“The most important thing is his promise to buy an NNL slot so that we can still play in the NNL next season. We can’t thank him enough,” concluded ‘Apirioye’ as the team captain is fondly called.
By Sab Osuji
