Abakaliki FC Head Coach, Starplus Izuikem Anistar, has exclusively told Completesports.com that victory for the Rice Boys in Wednesday’s Nigeria National League Conference B fixture against Ekiti United would significantly boost their 2026/2027 NPFL promotion ambition.
Abakaliki FC Chasing Promotion From Fourth Position
Abakaliki FC are fourth on the log of 2025/2026 NNL Conference B with 22 points, six points behind leaders Akwa United, who have 28 points, with four games remaining.
All matches initially scheduled for this weekend have been rescheduled to next Wednesday due to the Sallah celebrations.
The Rice Boys Face Tough Away Fixtures In Run-In
Coach Anistar, who previously handled Coal City United, which later metamorphosed into Abakaliki FC, described the clash against Ekiti United as vital to their promotion bid.
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“We’ve four games remaining, with three of such games away from home — Ekiti United, Solution FC and Calabar Rovers,” Anistar explained.
“Our only home match among the four remaining games is against Akwa United, which comes after our fixture against Solution FC in Awka.
“But my concern is the long trip to Ado Ekiti for the game against Ekiti United. Aside from that, I believe our team can hold their own against any opponents, bearing in mind that we are not looking back in our promotion bid.”
Injuries To Our Defensive Raise Concerns — Anistar
Coach Anistar also revealed injury concerns within the squad, with two key defenders sidelined in the last three games.
“Two of our key defenders — Aloo Friday, who won the Man of the Match award in Lagos against First Bank, and also our standout performer this season, Onuoha Promise, a left-back — have been out injured in the last three games,” Anistar disclosed.
“Aloo Friday had an accident which affected his right knee, while Onuoha is recuperating from an ankle injury but is not yet fully fit.”
Abakaliki FC Squad Depth Offers Relief
He further revealed that despite the setback caused by the duo’s absence, two players have stepped up impressively.
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“But Chinedu Nwankpa has deputised very well for Friday at centre-back, while Augustus Dorbarille has also performed well in the absence of Onuoha Promise,” the Rice Boys’ technical boss added.
Abakaliki FC Still Believe In Promotion Dream
Anistar expressed confidence that Abakaliki FC will not give up on their promotion chase, noting that the gap between them and the top three remains bridgeable.
“The top spot is still within touching distance. We’ll take the games one at a time. After the long trip to Ekiti United, Awka (vs Solution FC) and Calabar (vs Calabar Rovers) are not as far or as demanding as the others.
“We’ll remain focused, keep working hard and continue believing in ourselves and our capability heading into the final four games,” Anistar concluded.
By Sab Osuji
