Abakaliki FC captain and centre-back, Cyril Timothy, has exclusively revealed to Completesports.com his team’s winning code in the 2025 President Federation Cup competition.
The 26-year-old platoon commander said the code has been their secret weapon, helping them earn the ‘giant killers’ tag in their debut Cup campaign, in which they have knocked out every NPFL opposition the draws have thrown at them.
“We’re the ‘Rice Boys’, we don’t fear anybody. We believe football is a game of equal numbers irrespective of division,” began Timothy when Completesports.com quizzed him on the secret behind their Cup run that has seen them eliminate no fewer than four Nigeria Premier Football League sides to reach the final—where they’ll face yet another NPFL side, Kwara United.
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“We believe in ourselves, in our ability, and there is so much love, unity and understanding in our team. We play for each other and understand one another.
“There’s this code our coach, Ifeanyi Onyedika, MON, always tells us about — HPM — High Performance Mentality. It encourages every player never to give up.
“If you fall down, get up and continue to fight for the ball. If you make a mistake, don’t worry—your teammate will cover for you, and you’ll try to correct it. Nobody blames you for an error. This has helped keep our confidence high and has played a key role in getting us this far in our very first President Federation Cup campaign.”
Abakaliki FC, a second-tier NNL side, have posted an incredible run in their maiden domestic Cup appearance, knocking out top NPFL teams—Katsina United (Round of 32), Enyimba (Round of 16), Nasarawa United (Quarter-finals), and Ikorodu City in the semi-finals. This followed their earlier win against fellow NNL side, Yobe Desert Stars, in the Round of 64.
They will now face Kwara United in the final on 28 June at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (MJA), Onikan, Lagos.
Skipper Timothy believes lifting the Cup would be the perfect opportunity to say thank you to the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his motivation, support and encouragement, as well as to the club chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba, and the people and supporters of Ebonyi State.
“We’ve shifted our focus to the FA Cup. It wasn’t a particularly good campaign for us in the league, but that’s now in the past.
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“Our attention is now fully on the FA Cup. We’re prepared for it. We’re ready for the match—no matter who our opponents are. We want to win it and use the victory to appreciate our Governor for his support, encouragement and motivation.
“We also want to thank our chairman (Senator Ogba), our fans and supporters who have stood by us. Winning the Cup would also take us to the African continent, to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup. That would be a great honour for the state, the government and the people. That’s our target now—and I believe it’s not an impossible one, by the grace of God.”
Timothy admitted that Kwara United are a strong side, having brushed aside all opponents en route to the final. He expects a tough battle in Lagos.
“Yes, we’re not expecting an easy match—not at all. It won’t be a stroll in the park. Kwara United, as an NPFL side, are strong and will be difficult opponents. They are also in the final for the first time and are just as ambitious. This will make the game tough—when two ambitious debutant teams meet—so the fans should enjoy a cracking contest,” the Abakaliki FC captain said.
By Sab Osuji
